Members of the Madison Board of Estimates discussed the 2008 Executive Budget with representatives from the Madison police and fire departments at a meeting Monday afternoon.
Members of the MPD, including Police Chief Noble Wray and Assistant Police Chief John Davenport, were questioned on their proposed budget for 2008. Wray described how the police department's budget had been created and what factors had been considered in its formation.
The factors Wray cited included various community safety meetings where area residents have been voicing concerns about their neighborhoods.
"This budget responds to the listening sessions that the mayor and I have been attending," Wray said.
The addition of 30 officers to the department by 2009 was also discussed. Wray said the increase in the number of officers is a response to the problem of understaffing that has historically plagued the department.
City Council President Mike Verveer, District 4, who serves on the Board of Estimates, also voiced his views on the potential addition of police officers.
"How many cops is the right number is anybody's guess," Verveer said. "I'm supporting the 30 additional cops."
The proposed increase in the police force, however, would also have effects on the budget planning of other city divisions, such as the Municipal Court. Municipal Court Judge Daniel Koval said at the meeting he thought the additional officers would increase the caseload of the Municipal Court.
The police department is also requesting an additional captain and two additional lieutenants for the department. Wray said he thinks the additional two lieutenants would be a large help for Madison's special events, such as Halloween and the Mifflin Street Block Party. The proposed lieutenants would also spend time policing the city.
The Board of Estimates also considered a budget presented by the Madison Fire Department at Monday's meeting.
One of the main points of the MFD budget was the opening of Fire Station 12 on Madison's west side. The station would staff five lieutenants, four apparatus engineers, nine firefighters and one division chief. It is expected to be completed by December of 2008.
"I think that the community is going to be very proud," said Fire Chief Debra Amesqua when asked about the new station.
The fire department also proposed the purchase of 100 new sets of protective fire gear. Each Madison firefighter currently has two sets of gear, and with the purchase of new equipment, unsafe or outdated gear would be replaced immediately. Amesqua said each new set of gear would cost about $2,000.
The Board of Estimates will continue its 2008 operating budget discussions tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. Following the committee's amendments and eventual approval, the City Council will vote on the proposed budget at its meeting Nov. 13.
