As cities and towns across northeastern Ontario draw up their spending plans for 2026, Sudbury city council hears why a big chunk of the proposed 5.7 per cent tax hike is going to police.

Greater Sudbury police board chair Gerry Lougheed told councillors Wednesday night that more than 90 per cent of police spending is allocated to payroll and this budget allows for officers and other workers to be properly compensated.

He said outlined several current reasons why the police budget is stretched.

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“You just passed a homeless strategy which requires more policing,” Lougheed said.

“I think we’re all very much aware

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