UPD Chief: If cuts are made, safety is a big concern
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: February 16, 2012
Eyewitness News told you about a larger than usual number of Police Officers at Wednesday night's Utica Common Council Meeting.
Utica Police Chief, Mark Williams says the officers are obviously concerned with layoffs because of a $7 million dollar gap in the budget.
But, many officers were there because of their safety concerns, if the number of officers starts to shrink.
Mayor Rob Palmieri says the cuts are not just with the public safety, but across the board.
Some of these cuts include City Hall, D.P.W., and Police.
"Everyone is going to feel the pain, equally. My administration is going to try to do the best we can to rectify this and provide services. But, there's only (X) amount of dollars and I'm sure the people of Utica, New York are not going to be looking for a 30 or 35% tax increase," said Mayor Palmieri.
"Lets keep in mind that we've lost three police officers in this county in the last five years...So, when you have less officers out there, that's less back up, and it poses a safety risk for our officers. There's no question about it," said Chief Williams.
The mayor says he feels the pain of all those who could be facing job cuts.
Chief Williams says he does understand that Mayor Palmieri has a difficult job when it comes to working within the budget.
Utica Police Chief, Mark Williams says the officers are obviously concerned with layoffs because of a $7 million dollar gap in the budget.
But, many officers were there because of their safety concerns, if the number of officers starts to shrink.
Mayor Rob Palmieri says the cuts are not just with the public safety, but across the board.
Some of these cuts include City Hall, D.P.W., and Police.
"Everyone is going to feel the pain, equally. My administration is going to try to do the best we can to rectify this and provide services. But, there's only (X) amount of dollars and I'm sure the people of Utica, New York are not going to be looking for a 30 or 35% tax increase," said Mayor Palmieri.
"Lets keep in mind that we've lost three police officers in this county in the last five years...So, when you have less officers out there, that's less back up, and it poses a safety risk for our officers. There's no question about it," said Chief Williams.
The mayor says he feels the pain of all those who could be facing job cuts.
Chief Williams says he does understand that Mayor Palmieri has a difficult job when it comes to working within the budget.
