With Mayor Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake's first budget proposal due next week, Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III is getting out in front, saying the target amount the mayor wants to cut from the police budget will force layoffs of up to 300 officers, something he calls "unconscionable."
His comments come with a huge caveat: no one seems to know what exactly Rawlings-Blake's budget proposal actually calls for, other than that she's told members of the council that the department's helicopter, marine and mounted units are on the chopping block. What Bealefeld is saying is that City Hall wants to cut $15 million from his agency and that he can't fathom how his agency can achieve that figure without resorting to layoffs.
Aside from the obvious negatives, laying off cops would be no simple task from a logistical standpoint, given the police union's contract and the fact that the city recently accepted millions in federal funds to hire new officers, funds which would have to be given back. The head of the federal agency that gave them that cash was just in town at BPD headquarters for a press conference to boast about that funding as part of a series of events to promote stimulus spending.
As for what the budget actually calls for? The mayor is holding her cards close to the vest until next week, but her aides are saying that it will represent something of a worst-case scenario as new revenue streams are discussed.
UPDATE, 3:55 PM: Rawlings-Blake's office just released the following statement, saying it is her goal to maintain every "police patrol officer."
"The Preliminary Budget to be presented by the Finance Department next Wednesday contains no new revenues and is balanced completely with spending cuts. We need to be upfront and honest about the $120 million dollar deficit facing the City—it is a brutal, life changing event that will require painful sacrifices by everyone. Tough choices must be made.
Many of these proposed cuts are unacceptable – especially in the areas of public safety.
We did not create this problem but we have to solve it. This is the beginning of the process and the budget is not final.
Now more than ever, City government must tighten its belt and get more value for every single tax dollar. I began this process first by slashing my own office budget by 10%.
I will work with the City Council on a comprehensive plan to balance the budget while fully funding our obligation to public education and public safety. It is my goal to maintain every police patrol officer, fund efforts to dismantle gang networks and reduce gun violence, and reduce firehouse closings – all without raising the property tax.
I will continue to meet with the City Council in the coming days and weeks and will present an honest, balanced, comprehensive plan."