Budget Cuts Means More Officer Layoffs
The Kansas City Fraternal Order of Police President told FOX 4 News the department will be forced to cut 50 officer positions after Kansas City Council passed the city’s 2016-2017 budget last week.
The council approved a budget giving the police department a million-dollar increase to its budget, but FOP President Brad Lemon said it’s not enough to prevent layoffs.
On Friday, Lemon took to Twitter, writing, “Lost police officers every year since 2011, as passed this budget will cost more officers.”
Lemon told FOX 4 once the 50 officer positions are eliminated the police department will have the same number of officers it had 15 years ago.
Councilman Jermaine Reed said the budget reflects the city’s priorities and the concerns of the community.
“Over the past six weeks the council has heard from the public with the three public hearings that were held outside of city hall in the community and we had a lot of feedback from citizens about things that were important to them,” he said.
City Spokesman Chris Hernandez confirms Police Chief Forte asked for $4.2 million dollars, but the police department only received one million dollars.
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