July 11--PULLMAN -- Requiring citizens to report certain crimes online instead of having a police officer respond to their homes may be something the city considers as it looks for ways to reduce expenses.
During a presentation to the city council Tuesday, Police Chief Gary Jenkins said Pullman residents already have the option of reporting crimes online. However, that's offered more as a convenience rather than as a way to save money.
Resorting to online reporting for things like car break-ins or other low-level crimes is one way to cut costs, he said, but it may leave citizens feeling less safe and dissatisfied with the service they're receiving.
Nevertheless, reducing the level of certain services is something the council must consider as it tries to identify upward of $500,000 in savings needed to replenish the city's cash reserves and bring expenses back in line with revenues.
Fire and emergency services also went under the microscope Tuesday. Councilor Francis Benjamin, for example, wondered if the Pullman Fire Department is recouping its costs on the various fire and emergency service contracts it has with Washington State University, Pullman Regional Hospital and some of the surrounding communities.
"When I look at these contracts, my concern is are we subsidizing them?" he said.
This was the council's second budget review session in the last month. The process wraps up July 31 with a midyear budget update and presentations from Neill Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Department. The public will also have an opportunity to comment on potential budget cuts at that time.
Following public comment, the council will indicate which budget-saving options it wants to pursue further. A second public hearing and formal council action on those items will take place during the Aug. 14 meeting.
On Tuesday the council also:
--Adopted the 2013-18 capital improvement and transportation improvement plans. No one spoke during the public hearings on these items, and both plans were approved unanimously.
--Approved a $2 non-resident fee for people from outside of Pullman who sign up for city recreation and aquatics programs. The fee takes effect Aug. 20; it's expected to generate about $3,000 per year in additional revenue.
Spence may be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 791-9168.
Copyright 2012 - Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
