Mayor Bob Foster made his 2008 budget recommendations at a City Hall press conference yesterday flanked by Assistant City Manager Christine Shippey.
The Mayor’s recommendations include the addition of 14 new police officers, 12 new fire-fighters, and a new ladder truck. Foster talked about the city’s need to increase revenue.
In his budget message Foster said, “Are we going to invest more to become a first-class city or continue in a slow, downward spiral where our assets decline to the point that they can’t be repaired and replacement is beyond our ability to finance?”
In reference to the voter approved Prop H tax, he said “their vote made a clear statement that they are willing to increase revenues to provide a better future.”
In a released statement, Councilmember Gerrie Schipske responded, “I am particularly glad to see that my proposal to evenly divide Proposition H funds between police and fire departments is reflected in these proposals. I am concerned, however, by the lack of any reference in this budget as to how and when this City will add an additional 100 police officers on our streets – a goal many of us were committed to during our recent campaigns.”
In Foster’s 2007 State of the City Address, he stated “I will ask the Council and City Management to work with me to find the money to fund an additional 100 police office in the FY 2008 budget.”
Read PT coverage of the Mayor’s recommendations here.