Statement from Nicole Beatty on Police Financial Oversight
(October 13, 2026) Mayor Cleveland’s claim that his recent motion prompted the Cobourg Police Service Board’s (CPSB) financial review grossly misrepresents the sequence of events. When he brought a motion forward on August 26, he knew the Board had already started that review. His motion did not receive a seconder. The review was already underway.
As a member of the Cobourg Police Service Board, I stand firmly behind the decision to refer financial concerns for independent review. I am accountable for asking hard questions, demanding reliable financial information and ensuring concerns are acted on.
Since October 2025, the Board and its Finance Committee repeatedly requested financial reports from the previous senior administration in writing. At our new Chief’s recommendation, the Board initiated a detailed budget review in July with the Financial Manager who started in that position in May of 2026. The outcome of that review identified discrepancies and reporting concerns. The Board then referred the report, following Board procedures, to the Inspectorate of Policing. It was also provided to the Town Treasurer for a peer review and the OPP was consulted.
The Board publicly announced the financial review on September 9, confirming that it had directed the review in July. That announcement outlined its scope: expenditures, revenues, contractual obligations and projected year-end costs. It also announced a public Finance Committee meeting to provide an update.
On September 14, the Board publicly advised that the meeting was being postponed to allow the review to be completed. On October 9, before the Special Council meeting was announced, the Board received a report from the Chief of Police and passed a motion approving its recommendations. That motion formed the basis of the Board’s release issued on Sunday, October 11.
This is not time for speculation or allegations. The September announcements clearly establish that the existence of the financial review was public information before the October 11 release. They should not be confused with disclosure of the review’s findings. The independent review process must now establish the facts.
When I joined the Board, I introduced measures to strengthen transparency and public oversight. We moved Board meetings into Council Chambers for livestreaming and recording, and brought citizens onto the Finance Committee. That commitment to accountability includes scrutiny of the Board’s own decisions. It is also important to note that a representative from the Inspectorate of Policing attends nearly every meeting to ensure compliance with the new legislation.
It is disappointing that the incumbent Mayor has chosen to mischaracterize this transparent, ongoing process for political gain. The Police Service Board needs time to complete its due diligence, and these documented actions demonstrate our commitment to financial scrutiny.
Our local institutions function best when we rely on facts and established procedures. I remain fully committed to supporting the regulatory and law enforcement bodies handling this review.
I will not minimize these concerns or make excuses. As a Board member, I am accountable for my oversight role. Taxpayers deserve clear answers, and I will keep pressing for those answers and the changes needed to address the findings.
I am available to local media to respond to Mayor Cleveland’s press release. I also invite residents to contact me at 289.251.3171 or hello@nicolebeatty.ca with any questions.
