The City Commission presented a public workshop at City Hall Wednesday night to discuss the impact recent property tax reform will have on upcoming budgets. City Manager Doug Thomas and City Finance Director Greg Finch explained how the new law affects the amount of money Lakeland will receive next year from property taxes. You can get a copy of their presentation here.
Members the audience were allowed time to address the Commissioners and offer comments as well. As LakelandLocal.com's Chuck Welch noted, the general message from the public attending this workshop seemed to be "don't lower our taxes if it means cutting services."
Mrs. Deane Palmer, President of the Neighborhood
Association Coalition addresses the City Commissioners
during the workshop.
Three programs from the Lakeland Police Department were on the list of possible service cuts being considered in order to balance next year's budget. They included:
- $300,000 from the Aviation Unit
- $3,000 from our PAL and DARE programs
These cuts are in addition to the hiring freeze we put in place for civilian positions within the department. Two positions will not be filled at this time to reduce expenses, a Domestic Violence counselor and a Secretary. Operating and maintenance costs in next year's budget will be kept the same as last year - no growth in this area.
We certainly hope the Commissioners find a way to keep funding for the programs being considered for elimination. The Aviation Unit is an important part of how we deliver public safety services to the community. Research shows our "eyes in the skies" are the equivalent of 10 officers on the ground. The helicopter allows us to see things from above that officers cannot possibly see on the ground while helping to keep our officers safe. The proposed elimination of funding would effectively shut down the aviation program and make it too costly to ever see again.
The Lakeland Police Athletic League is a crime prevention program that focuses on giving youth an alternative to crime through athletic programs, after-school tutoring, and more. Sports programs such as football, basketball, baseball, and cheerleading give youth an opportunity for recreational activities and help them make positive choices in their lives. The funding cut being proposed is used to cover supplies. We would need to find another funding source to replace those needed supplies, but the loss would not eliminate PAL which operates as an independent organization.
The Drug Abuse Resistance and Education program (DARE) is a crime prevention program taught by police officers in our local schools. Unlike the School Resource Officer program that is funded to a large degree by the Polk County School Board, DARE officers are completely funded by the City of Lakeland. The proposed elimination of the program would move four police officers back to the streets. DARE (and its accompanying program GREAT - Gang Resistance Education and Training) are offered to all local public and private elementary and middle schools. It is interesting to note that books, t-shirts, and other program supplies are funded through an annual golf tournament sponsored by the School Resource Unit. The City does not have a line-item budget for DARE except the four police officer positions.
We are fortunate that other police officer positions are not being considered for cuts at this time. While we understand the need to reduce budgets to meet decreased revenues from property tax reform, public safety is one area that we believe cannot be cut. The quality of life within our community depends too much on public safety services.
We are also extremely fortunate to have members of the public who are interested in this matter and willing to spend an evening with their elected officials to discuss the matter of keeping taxes at currently levels in order to retain quality services. Their ongoing support and recognition of the efforts of our department members is appreciated.
-Asst Chief Bill LePere
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