A majority of City Council members voted this week to reduce the number of officers if alternative cuts can’t be found. Vice-Mayor Chuck Timm says the city’s in a tough spot.
“Do I want to layoff officers? Absolutely not. Will I layoff officers? Yes I will. And I thought I would never hear myself say that. But I don’t have a choice and I don’t think the council has a choice.”
But Councilwoman Catherine Moy voted against the layoffs.
“If we do what’s recommended, we will put back our police officer staffing to 2005 levels. And I don’t see how criminals are going to keep their behavior down to 2005 levels.”
About nine police officers could lose their jobs.
Fairfield officials have already instituted several cost-cutting measures…including reducing office hours at city facilities. They’ve also cut the town’s general fund by 24%, or $18 million, over the past several years.
“Do I want to layoff officers? Absolutely not. Will I layoff officers? Yes I will. And I thought I would never hear myself say that. But I don’t have a choice and I don’t think the council has a choice.”
But Councilwoman Catherine Moy voted against the layoffs.
“If we do what’s recommended, we will put back our police officer staffing to 2005 levels. And I don’t see how criminals are going to keep their behavior down to 2005 levels.”
About nine police officers could lose their jobs.
Fairfield officials have already instituted several cost-cutting measures…including reducing office hours at city facilities. They’ve also cut the town’s general fund by 24%, or $18 million, over the past several years.