On July 28 @6:30pm, the groups met with City Manager Mary Suhm and Asst. City Manager Ryan Evans. They gave us an update on the budget that they will most likely send to the Cit Council. Below are the Highlights:
1) Budget is almost balanced.
2) Property tax makes up 40% of ALL revenue
3) NO CUTS IN UNIFORM SERVICES
4) 1600 Civilian jobs to be cut, actual loss of 1,000 people
5) Of the Civilian cuts, 160 will be from DPD (down from the original 190)
6) Certification Pay, 5 and 10 yr bonus pay and longevity WILL REMAIN
7) NO HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASE. THEY ARE ELIMINATING THE EPO/HMO PLAN
8) 200 new squad cars
9) No civilian merit steps
10) Hiring of officers will continue, unknown on specific numbers right now
11) Officers who are maxed out may have the next step (maxed out) delayed one year
12) Current promotional lists will be extended
13) Questionable about actual promotions next budget year
14) No promotional tests will be given next budget year
15) A slight mumble about eliminating the sick time/ vacation time buy out. Just a rumble, keep your ears open. If that were to take place, I bet more that 500 Officers would leave prior to it. Just a small rumble right now, not a lot of traction on it.
Overall, not bad, could have been much much worse. Your hard work helps us get things done, I THANK YOU!
I'll keep you updated!
Thanks,
Glenn M. White
President
Dallas Police Association |