The Saint John Police Department`s operating budget for 2015 wound up with a surplus just over $337,000.
Chief John Bates says he’s happy with the numbers, considering the tight financial restraints and overtime costs.
Overtime was over budget by roughly $200,000, and Chief Bates attributes that to low staffing numbers and the Oland trial that took a lot of resources.
Bates says revenue surpassing over $280,000 over budget expectations was a big reason behind coming under budget for 2015.
He says the police force gains revenue through things like extra duties, criminal record checks and a variety of other areas.
Bates says he’s “cautiously optimistic” that the police force will come under budget again this year.
