Utica Common Council approves $100,000 from county
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: May 16, 2012
The Utica Common Council has voted to accept $100,000 from the county to go toward the Utica Police Department.
County Executive, Anthony Picente and District Attorney, Scott McNamara had made the offer, but under several terms.
They had asked that two investigators be put back into the Drug Task Force Center, and an officer be placed in the Child Advocacy Center.
The county had also asked to restore several ranks:
1 Captain
1 Lieutenant
2 Sergeants
1 Investigator
The vote passed 5 to 4, and Councilman Joe Marino says it will now go to The Oneida County Board of Legislators for approval.
Although the vote did pass, Councilman at Large, Frank Meola, who voted against, says he wanted to use the money for other purposes.
However, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams says it's crucial to have proper supervision by restoring ranks.
"When they initially voted to demote 23 people they took managerial control away from me and my agency to make sure I have adequate supervision out there for my officers and more importantly to protect the public as well. I've seen the problems when you don't have adequate supervision, and it's horrendous," said Chief Williams.
"We'd like to use the money for overtime, I'm hoping that the county legislators do not put constraints on that funding for promotions only. We're looking to utilize it for overtime, as we are using a lot of overtime at this time," said Councilman at Large, Meola.
County Executive, Anthony Picente and District Attorney, Scott McNamara had made the offer, but under several terms.
They had asked that two investigators be put back into the Drug Task Force Center, and an officer be placed in the Child Advocacy Center.
The county had also asked to restore several ranks:
1 Captain
1 Lieutenant
2 Sergeants
1 Investigator
The vote passed 5 to 4, and Councilman Joe Marino says it will now go to The Oneida County Board of Legislators for approval.
Although the vote did pass, Councilman at Large, Frank Meola, who voted against, says he wanted to use the money for other purposes.
However, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams says it's crucial to have proper supervision by restoring ranks.
"When they initially voted to demote 23 people they took managerial control away from me and my agency to make sure I have adequate supervision out there for my officers and more importantly to protect the public as well. I've seen the problems when you don't have adequate supervision, and it's horrendous," said Chief Williams.
"We'd like to use the money for overtime, I'm hoping that the county legislators do not put constraints on that funding for promotions only. We're looking to utilize it for overtime, as we are using a lot of overtime at this time," said Councilman at Large, Meola.
