Why would the police have a tough time?
Hayes will become the Chair of the Police Board.
In the current fiscal year SPD did get a minor budget increase, however, the Saanich Police Association (police union) had been without a contract for years and settled. The result of the New contract was a pretty significant retro payment being required which consequently took a big chunk out of the actual operational budget for the Department. The previous Mayor advocated for giving SPD it's full required budget allotment (by Saanich's estimate, not SPD's request). Hayes led the "no" vote on that - Hayes won and hence cuts came.
So, Saanich, in a far less public manner than Victoria, cut ancilliary services. Counselling, block watch, and a few other community things took the brunt which is a shame as IMO that's what makes SPD one of the best Departments in the country.
Hayes has gone after the Police budget before, and with so many new councilors it's a bit hard to tell where they will all settle, but SPD in it's current form has very minimal financial freedom so any further reduction will cut Departmental capacity.
That said - perspective changes in the Mayors seat and Hayes I don't think has ever been on the Police Board.
Lastly, Saanich needs a new Chief this summer. SPD has never had an external Chief - well, Save the first one in 1906. I could see Hayes going outside the walls of Saanich; I don't have an opinion on that really but it would be an interesting move for a generally very successful Police agency.