Police Department proposes new funding plan to enhance city safety measures

The North College Hill City Council meeting on May 12, 2025, focused on public safety initiatives and budgetary concerns, particularly regarding the police department's funding and the management of the tow lot.

A significant discussion centered on the revenue generated from the tow lot, which is currently managed by the police department. Officials emphasized the need to develop a plan for utilizing this revenue to alleviate financial pressure on the general fund, which currently supports 54% of the police budget. The proposal includes enhancing public safety measures, such as installing additional cameras to monitor vehicle traffic and implementing a gunshot detection system known as ShotSpotter. This system would allow officers to respond more quickly to incidents of gunfire by providing real-time alerts.

Council members expressed concerns about the financial implications of increasing police headcount and the sustainability of funding without relying heavily on the general fund. The police chief noted that while the tow lot could provide some financial relief, it would not completely eliminate the department's dependence on the general fund. The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing public safety needs with fiscal responsibility, especially as the city prepares for potential increases in police staffing costs once current grant funding expires.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further analyze the budget and explore collaborative solutions to ensure both the police department and the city remain financially healthy. Future discussions will focus on refining the budget and addressing the needs of both the police and fire departments, as well as the overall financial health of North College Hill.