RAYTOWN, Mo. – UPDATE 11:00PM: City leaders in Raytown, Missouri tabled a vote Tuesday night on the 2018 budget that could cut about $3 million from the Raytown Police Department.
NOW: #Raytown Board of Alderman table vote of city budget. Will have work session next week, possible vote on 17th @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/Lm8jJD2cKL
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) October 4, 2017
Raytown leaders estimate the city revenue to be about $11 million next year. All departments combined asked for $14 million.
This is why the Board of Alderman asked the Chief of Police to make a budget for about $5.7 million.
The Chief of Police posted a letter on Facebook saying for that amount they would lose 30 positions including 17 full-time sworn officers, 10 civilian personnel and have less detectives.
The Board of Alderman also asked Raytown city administrator Tom Cole to come up with a budget for that amount.
He said he had to cut considerable jobs as well but also trimmed some from high-ranking officers' salaries.
Cole reiterated this job should be handled by the police department and its organization.
"At the end of the day, it needs to be a decision made by the police department and not me," explained Cole.
Many residents have shown concern when faced with potentially losing jobs.
"I would rather feel safe and live in this town. The less police you have, the less crime you can contain," said resident Kevin Gilstrap. "If they need to do a bit of a property tax increase, that's not going to hurt anyone here."
Cole mentioned the worries have been echoed in City Hall.
Cole also reiterated current law is for the police department to establish its own budget.
