North Perth Council has voted to renew its OPP contract for a four-year term.
The current contract expires December 31, and CAO Kris Snell says the new term was considered by council for a reason.
"The suggestion was a four-year term, which gives every term of council an opportunity to examine the full OPP contract, so the four years seemed like the reasonable number to go to, allowing the next council to look at the contract," says Snell.
The new deal will see a slight increase in cost per property by $1.28, but leftover savings from the previous deal will bring costs down for the OPP service over the term of the deal.
Snell notes on top of having the detachment in the municipal building, the OPP service offers other benefits as well.
"With our contract enhancements we do get a community sergeant, as well as some administrative detachment support," says Snell. "So, because we already have that infrastructure invested already in North Perth, it is easier to maintain that service once you have it. If you lose it, that would mean an initial investment in the future again."
The next council can decide if the relationship is still beneficial, but for now the municipality is very happy with the OPP says Snell.
"Certainly that will be the decision of the council of the day, but as of now we are very happy with the OPP services to date, and the next council will have an opportunity to examine that in the future," says Snell.
