Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Staffing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission weighs freezing nine police positions to balance FY27 budget amid staffing shortfalls
Summary
Commissioners and staff debated a budgetary freeze of nine sworn police positions used to balance the FY27 budget; staff said the department is programmed for 85 sworn officers but currently hovers near 73–77 and that reaching 100 officers would cost roughly $2.5 million more annually.
At a July 7 budget workshop, commissioners pressed staff on a plan that freezes nine police positions in the FY27 draft budget as a measure to balance personnel costs while preserving other priorities.
Randy, city staff presenter, said the freeze is included in the draft: “To get this balanced, freeze 9 police positions, so that is included… There are 9 officer positions that are frozen to get this balanced.”
Staff explained the budget implements a people‑plan that programs 85 sworn officers but budgets nine fewer positions in personnel costs so that the city can add officers during the year if recruitment and budget variances allow. A staff member said current staffing typically ranges “between 72 and 77” officers and that the city’s goal is to reach and sustain 85.
On tradeoffs, staff and commissioners discussed response-time impacts and costs. One staff presentation noted that moving from the programmed level to a 100-officer force would require roughly $2.5 million more in recurring personnel costs. A staff speaker characterized policing priorities as the largest share of the General Fund and said the city has been conservative about adding recurring general‑fund expenditures.
Commissioners asked for follow-up information, including an SRO (school resource officer) payment breakdown and comparisons with neighboring jurisdictions. Staff agreed to provide that data and to report back during the follow-up workshop later in the week.
No formal motion or vote on police staffing levels occurred at the July 7 workshop; commissioners discussed options and asked staff to return with more detailed staffing and cost comparisons.
