As feedback regarding McKinney's mounted police increases, city leaders are listening. This was evident during today's budget workshop, as both Mayor Brian Loughmiller and Council Member Don Day voiced their support for the mounted officers. Day, who first invested in McKinney's historic downtown more than a decade ago, said the mounted police shine a friendly light on McKinney Police Department, something he said was needed at the time. Day said he was interested in keeping the unit should the budget allow it, but said he understood the potential financial limitations and departmental needs. Loughmiller also voiced support for the unit if it was a financially sound investment, and asked interim City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck to research and report funding options while being mindful of the police department's request for additional first responder units. The discussion first became public when a line item on the city's budget asked for the removal of the mounted police in exchange for relocation of the officers to a first responder role. The Council will hold its first public hearing regarding the budget Sept. 2.