The City Commission conducted a preliminary budget workshop this past Monday evening to offer a preview of fiscal budget (Fiscal Year 2010 or FY10). The workshop's presentation slides are available in PDF format here well as the City's home page.
The Police Department was originally asked to cut our FY10 budget by approximately 2%. After weekly project meetings over the summer to look at how cuts of that magnitude could be make without affecting services (particularly after 5% was cut last year), we forwarded our recommendations to the City Manager for presentation to the City Commission.
Among our recommended cuts include reductions in overtime expenses for ongoing investigations and special projects, elimination of the Aviation Unit, and the elimination of several part-time positions. None of these cuts were easy to recommend, but given the challenging budget times we face today, they were necessary. We are grateful we could reduce our budget without eliminating any patrol officers, detectives, or public safety aides.
Formal public hearings on the FY10 budget are scheduled for September 9th and the 21st at City Hall, beginning at 6:00 PM in the City Commission Chambers. Final adoption of the new budget ordinance occurs at the last hearing.
As public awareness of the FY10 budget grows, I am sure there will be a great deal of public discussion about our recommendations (pro and con). We look forward to your comments and the ensuing dialog.
- Asst Chief Bill LePere
Truly... how important is OUR Aviation Unit. I for one feel it's VERY VERY Important. I live in West Central Lakeland and am probably the only one out here who never complains when that Helo comes over in the middle of the night lighting up the Neighborhood and keeping us and Officer's Safe. I don't want patrol officer's cut either, as it's always the man on the ground who hold's that ground.... but I do wish there was some other alternative..... RIP "PERHAPS" Aviation Unit... alas we hardly Knew Ye....
Posted by: Timothy Greenwood | August 28, 2009 at 11:18 PM