Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper on Monday released a revised budget that slightly increases the number of police officers proposed in his original plan but still falls short of the 40 officers recommended by City Council members.
His budget would add two more police officers and eight civilian crime analysts, bringing to 137 the total number of new hires. With retirements, however, the actual number of new police officers would come to about 22, for a total police force of 1,427.
“Public safety expenses represent half the general-fund budget,” said mayoral spokeswoman Lindy Eichenbaum Lent. “We have made every effort possible to find additional revenues for more police.”
The eight new crime analysts and researchers, costing about $427,000, would replace uniformed officers currently doing those jobs so that they can return to the streets. Including the 2006 budget, the city will have hired and trained 446 new officers, Lent said.
Jeanne Faatz, head of the council’s Public Safety Committee, said she had hoped for more police officers and would scour the budget to see if any additional savings can be made in other areas.
“Any additional cops on the street is moving in the right direction,” she said. “But I want to meet with my colleagues and see if we can make any adjustments.”
The revised budget also includes an extra $500,000 for medical costs because of an explosion in the Denver jail inmate population. The Park Ranger Program has also been increased from $88,000 to $120,000 to provide more services.
Additionally, a projected rise in electricity costs and water rates led the mayor to add $700,000 to the utility budget and $100,000 to parks.
In order to cover increases, the mayor proposes tapping another $375,000 from the general fund, increasing the Xcel franchise fee revenue by $600,000 and reducing the Technology Special Revenue Fund by $300,000.
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the budget Monday. Any council amendments must be voted on by Nov. 7.
Staff writer Karen Crummy can be reached at 303-820-1594 or kcrummy@denverpost.com.
