City leaders unveil ambitious plan to boost public safety

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the current budget allocations for public safety, highlighting significant changes and ongoing challenges within the police and fire departments.

The police budget will see a modest increase of 1.5%, primarily due to salary adjustments and contractual obligations, while the total personnel count remains unchanged at 2,299. However, there has been a notable 2% decrease in equipment funding, amounting to an $800,000 reduction over the past six months. The fire department's budget reflects a similar trend, with a 1% increase in training and equipment costs, but a decrease in budgeted positions due to retirements and the hiring of lower-paid new firefighters.

Two firehouses are currently closed for remediation, with plans to reopen them soon. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is facing a 10% decrease in funding, which has prompted the hiring of an assistant director to oversee the implementation of a new secure radio system for police and fire communications.

Concerns were raised about the high number of vacancies among crossing guards, with 17 positions unfilled despite ongoing recruitment efforts. The meeting also addressed police overtime, which has increased due to the opening of a new precinct and the implementation of a new operational strategy in firehouses.

Council members expressed frustration over the slow pace of fire inspections, which have been impacted by staffing shortages. The fire department is actively seeking to hire additional inspectors to improve response times and service delivery to the business community.

The discussion also touched on the need for enhanced training and resources for both police and fire personnel, particularly in light of the city's growing infrastructure and population. Officials acknowledged the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to ensure public safety and effective emergency response.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by public safety departments in managing budgets, staffing, and operational efficiency while striving to meet the needs of the community.