The N&R takes a look possible sources for Police Chief Tim Bellamy’s $500k. Among them:
* A contingency fund, $30,000.
* An account for replacing old or outdated equipment, $12.4 million.
* An account called “Special Planning Activities/Service,” $50,000.
* A learning and development account, which pays for leadership forums, training programs on new policies and diversity training for city employees, $642,229.
* A fund for economic incentives, $1.06 million.
Bingo. That’s $1.7 million right there. Meanwhile, City Council member Mike Barber continues to ask hard questions:
Barber said a hiring freeze, combined with money from unfilled positions and lapsed salaries, would “more than exceed” the $500,000. He said his plan wouldn’t freeze jobs in the fire, police and planning departments, but that otherwise it was “absolutely doable.”
“This is a decision the council will make,” Barber said.
He also questioned how the council can justify to taxpayers increasing taxes if it can continually find more money in its budget.
“Each time a need arises, more money magically appears,” he said. “Can’t the money be found not to raise taxes?”
