Goderich Looking For Help In Covering Costs Of Court Security And Prisoner Transportation

by Bob Montgomery

Goderich Mayor Trevor Bazinet says Goderich currently pays for security at the courthouse as well as prisoner transportation to and from the courthouse.

He pointed out to county council this week, the province does cover some of that cost, but Goderich is expected to cover the shortfall. Over the past six years that has averaged out to $188,000 per year. Bazinet points out it is a county courthouse that happens to be located in Goderich, so Goderich shouldn't have to cover all of the costs. Which the costs will be going up now because anyone entering the courthouse will be checked by two OPP officers and a metal detector.

He was hoping that either the county would agree pick up that cost through the levy or that the cost would be divided equally between the nine municipalities in the county. Another option that was mentioned was that the province should pick up the entire cost and Bazinet says they have approached the province about that but haven't had a reply so far. They felt their next step is to turn to the county and if the county agreed to help with the cost for the time being, they would still advocate for the province to take it over at some point.

Bazinet also points out municipalities across the province are dealing with the same problem and in some cases their county council has agreed to cover the cost. In July, Owen Sound approached Grey County with the same concern and Grey County agreed to cover the cost. Other municipalities in the province have also received support from their county.

Eventually a motion was passed to refer the matter to budget deliberations with the assumption that $200,000 would be the shortfall that would have to be covered. Treasurer Michael Blumhagen said it would likely be a month or two after they finalize the budget before they get an accurate number.