09-05-95 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 6, 1995 Page 3 Increase personnel for that Department is necessary in light of the disposition of criminal cases which is dependant upon the Records Bureau.It was also noted that the last Sergeant in Communications was civilianized recently by the City.Fees which are currently at $3.00 may be reviewed in light of the state law authorizing a increase. Additional increased areas requested to be increased by the Controller Office were liability insurance of $95, 776.00 and automotive equipment by$42,000.00. Council President Ladewski questioned whether further civilization and/or privatization could be considered for the Armorer and the Photographer in the Police Department.Assistant Chief Wolvos voiced concern over such concepts for the Armor. Communications Center: 1995 Budget= $ 894, 836.00 1996 Budget= $ 1, 025, 455.00 (requested) Don Pinckert noted that the total increase is approximately 14.5% for a total of$ 130,619.00. Much of this increase is the result of the 2 transferred positions from the Police Department to the Communications Center. Council Member Kelly stated that when reviewing proposals for communication and new facilities and security that the City should be looking at programs that would meet the needs for the City in the next 20 to 25 years. Council Member Puzzello requested budget summaries for each department from Jeff Rinard as the Committee continues its review of individual departments. Council Member Luecke questioned working with the South Bend School Corporation in grant writing. It was noted that with Sergeant Chapman as the Liaison Officer that there is ongoing joint grant proposals taking place. It was also noted that the concept of having School Resource Officers acting as security as well as counseling is currently in the discussion stage. The Chief noted that there is limited networking on PC's now between SOS, NEST, and Juvenile however improvement in this area is imperative. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke with regard to concern over the murder rate especially during the month of August and trends, it was noted that typically there is a 10 year lag between what happens in the larger cities verses the smaller cities. Although New York, Detroit, and Chicago have overall rates that are declining the effects are now reaching smaller cities like South Bend. It was noted that turf battles are taking place involving drug, shootings, and gang related activities where is very little "value of life" being considered. In response to a question raised by Council President Ladewski,it was noted that there is some impact with regard to early releases.