COBOURG (June 25, 2025) – At today’s Cobourg Police Service Board (CPSB) meeting, Board Member Dean Pepper provided clarity on the updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Cobourg and the CPSB. This revised agreement—set for Town Council approval on June 25—brings increased transparency and outlines how revenue from the Cobourg Police Service’s Business Centre will be reported and utilized going forward.
Speaking on behalf of the CPSB Finance Committee, Member Pepper reviewed the Business Centre’s history, noting its role in funding core policing operations since 2012.
“Over the past two decades, Business Centre revenues have offset approximately $9.53 million in tax-supported funding, reducing the financial burden on Cobourg taxpayers. The Business Centre has covered all capital and some operational costs not limited to body-worn cameras and other officer safety equipment,” said Dean Pepper, Member of the Cobourg Police Service Board. “An initial MOU was signed in 2018 to support Business Centre expansion and revenue-sharing with the Town and the operation moved into space at Venture13. Since then, the CPSB has established strategic reserves, strengthening long-term financial stability.”
In 2024, Business Centre generated over $2.1 million, covering about 19% of the Cobourg Police Service’s operating budget. Once core costs are met, surplus funds support technology upgrades, capital investments, community safety, and victim support initiatives.
With the expiry of the current MOU, the Town and the CPSB have worked collaboratively to renegotiate the MOU. At the request of the Town, the new MOU transitions core operational policing costs back to funding through the municipal tax levy, helping to stabilize Town finances against any downturns in Business Centre revenue.
The Board has submitted a multi-year business plan that outlines the gradual transition of operating costs from the Business Centre back to the tax levy. Beginning in 2026, oversight will be shared among Town staff, Council, and the CPSB, with an annual review to ensure continued alignment with community and policing needs.
“This updated agreement clarifies our financial stewardship,” said Chair Adam Bureau, Cobourg Police Service Board. “Business Centre revenues have long helped meet rising operational and technological demands while keeping the tax burden low. This MOU ensures continued transparency and sustainable funding.”
The updated MOU will be considered under the Consent Agenda at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, June 25, starting at 6:00 p.m. To learn more about the meeting, view the agenda item, and read the MOU, visit cobourg.ca/our-government/mayor-council/council-meetings/.
Please direct any inquiries to Sarah Ruffolo at sarah.ruffolo@cobourgpsb.com.
Background
The Cobourg Police Service is proud to operate the largest wholesaler of online third-party criminal record checks in Canada. Through its Business Centre, CPS processes background checks for employment and volunteer purposes via third-party companies nationwide. In addition to over-the-counter services for local residents, the recently launched online portal now allows applicants across Canada to access services anytime, anywhere. Recognizing the growing need for efficient police-to-police background checks, CPS Corporate Services also processes records on behalf of other police agencies across Ontario.
The Business Centre is entirely self-funded through service-generated revenue, with no reliance on the tax base. In 2024 alone, the unit generated over $2.1 million, accounting for approximately 19% of the CPS operating budget. These funds help offset operational expenses, including technology upgrades, equipment, and capital projects.
The original MOU between the CPS Board and the Town of Cobourg was signed in 2018 in response to Business Centre expansion. Revenues have since supported strategic reserves and long-term financial planning that continue to benefit both the police service and the municipality.