Hamilton’s police board has approved the service’s $239-million budget for 2026 — up $15.2 million over 2025 spending.

The figure approved Thursday is just under the initially proposed $240.2 million , which was reduced after a motion asked Chief Frank Bergen to find about $1.2 million in savings before the budget is sent to council.

The directive — put forth on the spot by Coun. Mike Spadafora in his debut at the police board — came after a similar motion from Coun. Cameron Kroetsch was rejected by a vote of 4-2.

Kroetsch’s motion also asked police to reduce the budget by about $1.2 million.

But while the approved motion allowed the chief to make cuts where he sees fit, Kroetsch’s motion noted out specific cost-cutting options, such as the mounted unit, cable TV, advertising and pro

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