News

City budget will add 6 new officers

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced Wednesday his 2006 budget would add six officers to the current City of Madison Police Department staff.

According to George Twigg, communications director for the mayor, when the mayor gave instructions to different city departments for the '06 budget, he told them to make proposals three percent below their 2005 budgets. For the MPD, this meant cutting 16 officers as a part of their plan. However, the mayor's '06 budget will not only reverse the potential cut, but also provide funding for six additional officers on the street.

"My budget not only keeps patrol officers at current levels, but adds six officers to frontline service and puts them where they are most needed," Cieslewicz said in a release.

The six new officer positions will be filled by swearing in four new officers and moving two officers from administrative positions to patrol.

"We're not just adding money, we're working smarter and deploying our limited resources better," Cieslewicz said.

MPD Chief Noble Wray carries the responsibility of determining new patrol officers' assignments. Cieslewicz said the extra officers would serve to meet the growing needs of the City of Madison.

"As in my prior two budgets, this budget makes public safety a priority," Cieslewicz said. "It continues to make responsible investments in public safety services to meet the growing needs of our community."

Wray, in a release, said he was encouraged by the mayor's commitment to adequately fund the MPD.

"This budget is a step in the right direction for maintaining public safety," Wray said.

In addition to increasing MPD staff, the '06 budget will also allow for the opening of the new East District Fire Station. Like Wray, Fire Chief Debra Amesqua said the city's pledge to fund the MFD sufficiently has made expanding with the city possible.

"The mayor's strong commitment to public safety has allowed the Madison Fire Department to maintain current staffing levels for eleven stations and seven ambulances, making us a safer City of Madison," Amesqua said. "We will continue to work with the mayor and his staff to bring up future station 12, located on our rapidly growing far west side."

Twigg said increased staffing gives the city the services that are necessary to make sure citizens are safe.

"It is especially important to have adequate staffing and resources, particularly on the periphery of the city," Twigg said. "Our ambulances and fire trucks need to be able to respond quickly if there is a fire or any other emergency call. Police need to be able to respond to calls as quickly as possible also."

Cieslewicz will introduce his '06 budget Oct. 11.