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County executive: $40 million police shortfall could mean layoffs
Summary
The county executive said Proposition P-funded investments have ended and the county is carrying about a $40,000,000 police deficit, warning layoffs of officers are possible if new revenue isn't found.
The county executive said Proposition P, passed in 2017 to fund public-safety improvements, produced new stations and pay increases but those dedicated revenues have ended.
"We've invested in public safety, but the proposition funds have run out, and we're now running a $40,000,000 deficit just in our police department," he said, adding "And that continues to grow." He echoed comments attributed to a council member that cuts could include as many as 90 police officers if new revenue is not found.
The executive framed the deficit as the result of long-term structural shortfalls rather than recent overspending and said there is limited room to find savings elsewhere because public safety already consumes a majority of the budget. He said preserving the police force will require new recurring revenue or painful reductions elsewhere.
