07-29-09 Personnel and Finance Committee Minutes

Home Browse Search

Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 2 officers with seven (7) current openings for a total reduction of 26 officers. Nine (9) civilian personnel would also be restored. Mayor Luecke noted that with the federal stimulus monies where were just announced yesterday, thirteen (13) positions would be funded by this grant. Mr. Pinckert stated that the Police Cadet program started three (3) years ago; one is in the budget and they proposed to add back in two (2) more positions. Mr. Pincket stated that police overtime costs for the department over the past two (2) years have been reduced by $320,000, with this year's projected reduction being $200,000. He commended Chief Boykins and his staff for increased departmental efficiencies which resulted in those cost savings. In 2007, $2 million was spent on overtime; $1.6 is projected to be spent in 2009. Mr. Pinckert noted that gasoline is being budgeted at $3.00 per gallon. He noted that several programs which are critical to the community would like to have the following programs funded with the amounts listed requested to be restored: • $40,000 Police Athletic League (Former Summer Youth Program) • $60,000 Downtown/East Race Patrols • $30,000 VIPS/CVO • $40,000 Special Events He noted that they are seeking tax exempt status for the Police Athletic League; that the Downtown/East Race Patrols were formerly funded from capital dollars; that VIPS/CVO represent 70-80 volunteers whose costs are now being paid from the Police Department budget; and that the Special Events category would include some of the costs for Presidential visits, Sun Burst Marathon which does reimburse the city so that the cost is a wash. Council President Dieter noted that the Council is looking into special events so that at least a portion of the costs incurred is restored to the department. He has suggested that Riverside Trail be used for charity walks to help contain costs and provide better cost management and containment. Mayor Luecke stated that the various walks should have some fees to cover some of the city's expenses but he does not expect them to cover all expenses incurred. He also sees Rum Village Park as another venue for charitable walks. Mr. Pinckert noted that the Public Safety Officers (PSO) who are at the Front Desk at SBPD have been transferred to the Communications Budget, and that the amount is $300,000 being transferred with no actual increase in operations overall.