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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/30/1981 Adjourned Meeting g ADJOURNED MEETING -- BUDGET REVIEW November 30, 1981 The City Council mat in session on this date at 3:00 P.M. in the Conference Roan at the Yakima Center, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Clarence Barnett, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael and Shirley Doty. Council member Don Hinman present after 3:20 P.M. and Council member Henry Beauchamp present after 3:40 P.M. POLICE Council member Carmichael inquired about the number of alarms being monitored. Police Chief Jack LaRue stated that they number about 68. He stated that they had considered eliminating this service, however, it is mandated that some bank alarms must terminate in the Police Department or a certified alarm terminal. He stated there is no charge for that service. Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to explore the possibility of charging for monitoring alarms or for false alarm responses. There was discussion regarding the request for additional police officers; Police Chief LaRue commenting that statistically we should have about 105 police officers and we only have 85. He stated that figure is 24% below the national level. Council members briefly discussed the Cadet Program. Council member Hinman inquired about using dogs in Police work, however, Chief LaRue stated that dogs are expensive and we do have full access to the County Canine Corp. Discussion continued regarding the request for additional police officers. Chief LaRue stated that the Department should increase over a period of time by approximately 15 people; not all of than uniformed officers. It was noted that the addition of two officers would cost about $46,000. There was information given about the training given to police officers and their continued training. City Manager Zais commented that one item that does not appear in this budget is equipment replacement and the M & 0 reflects a reduction. He stated that it is hoped that the City and County can canplete a plan for a joint law facility next year, however, if that doesn't happen, Council should address that issue, excluding the County. Council member Hinman stated that he would like to have staff try to figure out how to get the money to fill these police officer positions and in the future consider increasing the number of officers. It was the general consensus of the Council that the money needs to be found to keep these to positions. Mayor Edmondson stated that Council is not making a decision now, but is stating they would like to find this $46,000 to keep these positions. It was MOVED by Budhanan, seconded by Carmichael that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 4:46 P. . .jyr.usly .arried by voice vote. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY h 1, DATE 1 OD bdik MEMBER 41 0CLZ6 DATE COUNCIL MEMBER ATTEST: 0 - 40/4770/0-0,Yti • -A CITY IM RK di ? MAYOR