08-14-09 Personnel and Finance Committee

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Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting August 14, 2009 Page 4 However when reviewing all programs funded by the General Fund, he stated that we must look at all parameters. Code Enforcement is proposed at a 20% cut which is raising many concerns and challenges for personnel. He stated that he is concerned also about the aggregate budget overall. Mr. Pinckert stated that the front desk at the SBPD will now have personnel with $3,000 each being added back in. He noted that all new police officers begin on the midnight shift; and that the items added back in are absolute necessities. In response to questions from Council Member Oliver Davis Mr. Pinckert stated that gasoline is bought by the city. The City Administration recommended that the amount per gallon be changed from $3.25 to $3.00. Mr. Pinckert also noted that the costs for special events are the best projections available. Marathon costs average $15,000, with much of that cost being reimbursed. Dignitary visits area "big issue" and have a direct effect on overtime expenses. The SBPD provides protection to the President, but this does not address the additional costs to the city for commencement activities and demonstrations. In response to a question from Council Member Rouse, Division Chief Horvath stated that grants have been used to purchase the patrol vehicle computers, with the primary source being federal grants. Mr. Pinckert noted that from 2007 to 2008 the overtime spending decreased by $326,000. This year overtime spending is also decreasing which is a direct result of the real efforts made by Chief Boykins and his administration. $200,000 is the average annual costs for court time due to recall when the County Prosecutor subpoenas police officers. In response to questions from Council Member Rouse, Mr. Pinckert noted that there are thirty (30) categories for overtime -such as overtime neighborhood beat patrols, Operation Pull-Over, court subpoena time, recall -just to name a few. He noted that he has print- outs for all overtime on a payroll basis which are consistent with State Board of Accounts reporting requirements. Court time is based on language set forth in the collective bargaining agreement with four (4) hour minimums when an officer is off-duty and a two (2) hour minimum when on-duty. The County Prosecutor issues all subpoenas which are based on case reports. The SBPD have worked with the County Prosecutor's Office and requested that they be more selective in the issuance of such subpoenas. Division Chief Horvath stated that they are continuing to work with Prosecutor Mike Dvorak and are developing aweb-based system of calling officers off from an issued subpoena. Council Member LaFountain stated that the issue of court time and subpoenas from the County Prosecutors office is a very complicated legal area.