From the Anderson Herald-Bulletin:
Public safety was top-of-mind Thursday night as the Anderson City Council held a public hearing on the city’s proposed $63.2 million budget for fiscal 2013.
And the public isn’t happy about the prospect of cutting seven police officers from the Anderson Police Department, or 20 firefighters from the Anderson Fire Department. The proposed budget calls for 107 police and 104 firefighters.
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And the public isn’t happy about the prospect of cutting seven police officers from the Anderson Police Department, or 20 firefighters from the Anderson Fire Department. The proposed budget calls for 107 police and 104 firefighters.
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Deputy Mayor Pete Heuer testified about the financial circumstances that led to the proposed cuts.
He said city leaders faced many difficult decisions because property tax revenue has plummeted $9 million since 2005. He also noted that the Madison County Council’s decision earlier this year to rescind the wheel tax caused the loss of $1.2 million in revenue.
“The administration has presented you with a budget that represents a balanced approach to providing the community with the necessary services that must be maintained within each department.” Heuer told the council.
He added that other city departments such as municipal and community development, and street and parks have also seen drastic cuts.
And the city is still faced with a $1.15 million budget shortfall. Funding public safety represents about 70 percent of the city’s budget, he said.
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Before the council meeting, several dozen current and former police officers, firefighters, their supporters and family members took to the street outside city hall to call attention to the proposed staffing cuts.
The council is expected to adopt the budget at its 5 p.m. Oct. 23 meeting at the City Building.
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