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Councilmember Martinez, agree with Mayor Pro Tem Sarmiento; misleading <br />public on attrition and true allocation; critical and vital to hire officers beyond <br />COPS grant. <br />City Manager Cavazos, noted that police department budget has increased <br />from $106 to $120 million; hiring freeze lifted; department has experienced <br />normal attrition; 60 officers to hire and 20 will leave with net 40; hired 10 <br />laterals hired in the past year. <br />Police Chief Carlos Rojas, summarized number of recent hires; proposing <br />hiring marketing campaign since most agencies hiring. <br />Mayor Pulido, noted that Police Department had strike force and two gang <br />unit details; need to reduce crime rates; have shortage of officers; need to <br />accelerate hiring; asked if reserves right now at $42 million, rainy day fund of <br />about $4 million or surplus funds of $1.5 to 2 million could be used to assist <br />department. <br />Police Chief Rojas, noted that department had 8-10 officers dedicated to <br />strike force. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Sarmiento, issue is not a reflection of leadership, but former <br />budgetary constraints; rate of retirees have exceeded hiring. <br />Police Chief Rojas, department moving in right direction with net 40 officers <br />in coming year. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Sarmiento, opined that it would be negligent not to allocate <br />and provide resources; on us as policy makers. <br />City Manager Cavazos, commented that Police Chief has authority to hire no <br />need for a budget adjustment; City has conservative reserve policy; COPS <br />grant application has been submitted for consideration. <br />Councilmember Tinajero, need to include PERS costs; concerned with using <br />reserves; agree that City needs more officers; need to be responsible and <br />make hiring officers a priority. <br />Councilmember Martinez, would like to tie the Capital Improvement Project <br />budget with City; thanked Public Works Agency Director for transparency <br />efforts; met with local labor representatives; would like to reinvestment in our <br />community; need to compete for these dollars; need to have balance and <br />equity. <br />City Manager Cavazos, noted that labor will be allowed to compete in bid <br />process. <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 9 JUNE 21, 2016 <br />