Considering police calls have increased 15% since 2017, the police department is requesting two additional officers and two 911 call operators, Assistant City Manager Laurie Brewer said at the city's June 11 council meeting.
Staff also requested bringing on K9 officers to address narcotics so the city, which currently relies upon surrounding agencies for that service, could provide its own; a community engagement officer; and a computer forensic crimes detective. The five current detectives handle about 1,588 cases annually, Brewer said, and the caseload does not allow for the complexity of dealing with cyber crimes.
All requests were brought to Council for informational and discussion purposes only–the official proposed budget will be presented on August 6.
Other public safety items requiring additional funding included replacing police car, body and interview cameras to improve function and long term reliability, replacing swift water and dive boats and life support monitors.
Brewer also brought up opening fire stations 6 and 7. Though the city would have additional operational expenses, staffing would be funded with a grant and the stations would be partially funded through a partnership with Emergency Services District 8.
A training officer was also requested for the fire department. The new position would ensure compliance with required training and focus on fire suppression and driver training, according to Brewer’s presentation. She added this is needed because 82 employees, or 60%, are entry level.
The presentation included data charting the city’s growth pressures – click to zoom:
A budget-process timeline was also provided:
July 16-17 – City-wide budget work session
August 6 – City manager’s proposed budget presented
September 3 – First public hearing on tax rate
September 10 – Second public hearing on tax rate, first reading of the budget and tax rate
September 24 – Second reading on the budget and tax rate
