From a lengthy article in the Indianapolis Business Journal:
Many Indianapolis police officers drive their patrol cars during off-duty hours without paying for the gas they use.
The cops last year agreed to reimburse the city for one tank of gas a month, potentially saving taxpayers $1 million a year, but the Department of Public Safety has yet to implement the policy.
That and other long-discussed savings in the criminal justice system might finally come to fruition this year, as the city confronts an estimated $27 million budget gap for 2013. The only places left to find that money are in sheriff, police, fire and court budgets, which account for 85 percent of spending from the $569 million general fund.
Mayor Greg Ballard vows to continue his march for government efficiency into politically sensitive territory.
“There have not been efficiencies in public safety,” Ballard said. “Everyone else has cut back. Everyone has been more efficient. All these sacred cows have to stop.”
City-County Council President Maggie Lewis said she recognizes that public safety is the logical target for cuts, but the Democratic-controlled council might disagree with Ballard on exactly where to make them.
“This is going to be a test of the councilors and administration,” she said. “Are we really going to be able to work together?”
Ballard’s budget will be introduced Aug. 13, but City Controller Jeff Spalding expects negotiations over the final allocations to last all fall. The deadline for adoption is Nov. 1.
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See the full article here:
http://www.ibj.com/article?articleId=35773
