Chatham-Kent police are asking for another slight increase in this year's budget.
Chief Gary Conn says it'll match the rate of inflation, which is usually around 2%.
Last year's police budget received a small increase of just under 2% and had no service cuts.
Conn says rising salaries, fleet upgrades and operations will eat up most of the 2018 budget.
"There will be no shocks with our police budget. I'm not asking for any enhancements. Basically, any requests are for contractual issues," says Conn.
He says the budget will help his officers keep up with rising service calls and a large area to cover.
"One of the unique challenges we face in Chatham-Kent is the immense geographical area that we have to patrol. I'm only allotted so many officers and so many resources for that officer," the chief says.
Conn says 90% of his budget is salaries and that leaves very little room for other items like administration, capital and fleet costs.
"We have close to 2,500 sq. km. of area we have to patrol, which has a heavy burden on the wear and tear of those vehicles. Fuel costs are usually higher in the rural areas as opposed to the urban areas," Conn says.
The chief will present his budget at council chambers January 30 at 6pm.
