Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says he's not budging on his demand that all departments find 10 per cent in savings for the 2012 budget, following a meeting with the police chief on Monday.
The city wants the police force to create a 2012 net operating budget of $886.4 million, according to a report tabled at a police services board meeting on Wednesday.
"I've made it quite clear that we're looking for 10 per cent and I'm not leaving any rock unturned," Ford said, adding that he has confidence that the board and the chief will find the efficiencies he's asked for.
But Police Chief Bill Blair is asking for a budget of $944.7 million, which is a 1.5 per cent increase from last year.
On Monday, Blair says he has actually found three per cent in reductions through a hiring freeze for 2012 and by reducing the number of management staff by 19.
Police Board Vice-Chair Michael Thompson, who told reporters on the weekend that if Blair couldn't meet the cuts that he may lose his job, said he was pleased with how Monday's discussion went.
"I'm quite pleased with respect to where we are with the discussion the mayor's just had with the chief," he said. "I think it's a great afternoon, it's a great day for Torontonians."
Blair said that in order to meet the reductions wanted by Ford, layoffs would be required which is something he would not recommend.
With files from CTV Toronto's Tamara Cherry
