By ROY WOOD

With the possibility looming of a sudden and drastic jump in policing costs, the town of Oliver will join other small towns in urging the province to change its funding formula.

Under the current regime, towns with populations under 5,000 pay about 30 per cent of their policing costs, under an agreement with the province and the RCMP.

When the population rises above 5,000, the portion paid by the local government jumps to about 70 per cent.

In the last census, in 2011, Oliver’s population was 4,822. There is a new national census starting next month.

Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said Monday that such a large and sudden increase in policing for small towns “is really unfair when you pass that arbitrary line.

“There should be a gradual increase in policing costs as towns get bigger.”

Council voted Monday to endorse a resolution supporting the so-called “Equitable and Gradual Police Funding Model” to be presented at the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) in May.

The resolution will be on the agenda of the Union of BC Municipalities convention in September in Victoria.