In a recent government meeting, city officials expressed their reservations about entering into a consent decree with the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding police reform. Officials emphasized the importance of thoroughly reviewing the DOJ's port report before making any commitments that could impose long-term financial burdens on the community.

The discussion highlighted the significant costs associated with consent decrees in other cities, citing Chicago's expenditure of over $500 million, Seattle's at more than $200 million, and New Orleans, which has incurred costs exceeding $100 million. These decrees typically last for a minimum of ten years, and officials noted that in some instances, crime rates have not improved despite the financial investments.

City leaders underscored their commitment to ongoing improvements within the police department but stressed the need for careful consideration of any agreements that could hinder their efforts or strain the city's budget. The meeting concluded with a call for a comprehensive review of the DOJ findings before any decisions are made.