Portland Councilors Clash Over 20 Police Hires as $170 Million Budget Gap Forces Tradeoffs
Updated
Updated · KATU · May 14
Portland Councilors Clash Over 20 Police Hires as $170 Million Budget Gap Forces Tradeoffs
2 articles · Updated · KATU · May 14
20 new sworn officers are at the center of Councilor Eric Zimmerman’s budget amendment, while Councilor Loretta Smith is trying to restore non-sworn public safety jobs facing cuts under Mayor Keith Wilson’s plan.
Smith said losing those civilian positions could force East and North precinct closures and reduce walk-in access for complaints, but she acknowledged the money would have to be found by shifting full-time positions.
Zimmerman argued sworn officers deserve priority because Portland already faces police staffing shortages and officer hiring and training take longer; he suggested trimming the city’s 57 communications staff to help pay for it.
The dispute adds to a wider scramble over Wilson’s budget, which is aimed at closing a $170 million shortfall and has already prompted other councilors to propose management cuts to preserve public safety funding.
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