A projected surplus in White Rock’s RCMP budget should be set aside to help pay a bill expected from Surrey for that detachment’s help on a hit-and-run investigation, officials heard last month.
In a report to the city’s finance committee, financial services director Sandra Kurylo said the city will be invoiced about $203,000 for the investigation triggered by the death of Marilyn Laursen.
Laursen, 56, was killed May 18 when she was struck as she crossed Johnston Road at Thrift Avenue. The ensuing investigation cost about $225,000; White Rock is responsible for 90 per cent of the tab, Kurylo told the committee.
Kurylo said while the city typically ends its fiscal year with a surplus in its RCMP budget, paying for those extra resources from Surrey is “going to consume” the $166,000 surplus projected for 2011, and more. Asked if such a bill is unusual, Kurylo said she couldn’t recall it happening before, “to that extent.”
Asked who authorized the expenditure, city manager Peggy Clark said it was a decision by Staff Sgt. Lesli Roseberry in consultation with an RCMP regional director.
The city is to receive the bill in 2012, after fiscal year-end.
Kyle Brandon Danyliuk has been charged in connection with Laursen’s death. He is due back in Surrey Provincial Court Nov. 9.