In the wake of Santa Cruz’s May Day riot, City Council, together with City Manager Dick Wilson, have decided to fill eight police vacancies that were left empty due to budgetary constraints. The city is currently facing a $3-4 million deficit, and Mayor Mike Rotkin admitted, “We have no idea how we are going to pay for it.” He added, “But this riot is enough of a crisis that we can’t afford to do what is fiscally responsible.”
In the wake of Santa Cruz’s May Day riot, City Council, together with City Manager Dick Wilson, have decided to fill eight police vacancies that were left empty due to budgetary constraints. The city is currently facing a $3-4 million deficit, and Mayor Mike Rotkin admitted, “We have no idea how we are going to pay for it.” He added, “But this riot is enough of a crisis that we can’t afford to do what is fiscally responsible.”
The weekend riot was the culmination of a violent week for Santa Cruz, which also saw the shooting death of 19-year-old Carl Reimer.
There are, however, several problems in the immediate future as a result of the city’s decision. Police Chief Howard Skerry says that the department has already exceeded its overtime budget of $775,000, even though it was slated to last until June. Furthermore, hiring could take time so that candidates can undergo the necessary background checks. Then there is the question of what other vital services will be cut to provide the $1 million necessary to pay for the new officers? The final decision will not be easy. Read more at Santa Cruz Sentinel.
