City Council approves $4.5 million public-safety spending package after heated debate

Cincinnati City Council on Sept. 10 adopted a motion (item 43) that directs an approximately $4.5 million package of city funds toward a series of public-safety measures including police visibility overtime, safety ambassadors, cameras and lighting, license-plate-reader equipment, and support for small businesses affected by recent incidents. The motion passed after a roll-call vote: Yes — Council members Nolan, Owens, Walsh, Albee, Grama Dean and Jeffries; No — Council members Johnson, Vice Mayor Kearney and Parks.

Summary of the motion and intended uses: Council members Kramerding, Owens and Jeffries presented an amended motion that built on an administration proposal. The package included $1.2 million for police visibility overtime (PVO), funding for safety ambassadors and outreach through community development corporations, placement of cameras and lighting improvements in selected neighborhoods (including West End and…