Council questions ambassador program costs, payroll transfers and rent at 75 Erieview during Public Safety admin review

City council members scrutinized the Department of Public Safety administration’s budget changes at a budget hearing that highlighted the transfer of two payroll specialists into the Fire Division, expanded spending tied to a new “ambassador” program, and large annual rent charges for leased office space.

The changes are largely budget‑neutral for headcount but shift payroll lines from Public Safety Administration to the Division of Fire. Finance staff told the committee that the two employees “were with, under the Department of Public Safety Admin” but “do the payroll for the division of fire,” so staff and the associated budget dollars were moved to the fire budget.

Council members also pressed department leaders about several sizable increases tied to the ambassador program: travel, tuition and training, printed materials and office supplies. Finance staff said a recurring $50,000…