Last night's preliminary budget vote will save the city 20 million dollars if it's made final. But those savings will cost the city more than 80 police officers and two fire engines -an unprecedented decrease in the city's public safety sector.
City police officer JonDerek Sallee appealed to the city council last night to reconsider the proposed cuts.
"The men and women behind me that work for this city are what make this city great," Sallee said. "But greatness needs a foundation. And that foundation I believe is public safety."
Police and fire labor unions can still negotiate with the city
council to reduce spending cuts and layoffs. But the unions
are reluctant to negotiate with the city. They've made
concessions in the past and still find themselves on the budget
chopping block each year.
The city has to cut 39 million dollars in spending this year.
The council will pass a final budget later this
month.
