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Council approves police mechanic position; vote 5–1 after questions about garage and union arrangements
Summary
The council adopted ordinance O25-39 to reallocate funds in the 2025 police budget to remove a general equipment manager position and create a supervisor, general equipment repair position; the measure passed 5–1 with Council member Rathmell voting no amid questions about an operational city garage and union coverage.
The Binghamton City Council on May 21 approved ordinance O25-39 to amend the 2025 police budget, defunding a general equipment manager position and funding a supervisor, general equipment repair position. The measure passed on a 5–1 roll call; Council member Rathmell cast the lone no vote.
Council members discussed operational arrangements and union coverage during debate. Several members said they were surprised to learn that a police garage appeared to be in operation in a city facility and asked why the council had not been informed sooner. Council members also discussed union affiliations: city staff said the Department of Public Works mechanic did not want to leave the Teamsters union, which contributed to the decision to house a police mechanic position within the police department so the mechanic's assignment and time would not be split between DPW and police responsibilities.
No amendment to the ordinance was offered during the meeting. The clerk completed a roll call after discussion; the final tally was 5 yeas, 1 no, and one member absent. Council members said the change is intended to ensure mechanic coverage for police equipment and to staff the department's repair needs without creating scheduling conflicts tied to union affiliation.
Council members also referenced a previous staffing realignment involving firefighters and mechanics and noted that cross‑departmental work and contract status have prompted similar changes in the past. The ordinance takes effect as budgeted for 2025, subject to the normal budgetary and personnel processes.
