City of Stockton News Release

Connie Cochran
Public Information Officer

(209) 937-8827
connie.cochran@ci.stockton.ca.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Tuesday, June 23, 2009

City Council Adopts 2009-2010 Budget

(Stockton, CA)  - The Stockton City Council voted to adopt a fiscal year 2009-2010 budget this evening on a 5-2 vote with Councilmember Martin and Councilmember Eggman voting not to support the adopted budget.

Nearly, 100 layoff notices were issued by the City of Stockton in May to become effective July 1, 2009. Of the 100 layoff notices issued, 55 were issued to police officers. The City has offered an early retirement incentive and approximately 100 employees have elected to participate; these retirements will take place prior to the end of the calendar year. Some police officers have elected to retire. Between retirements and layoffs, the Police Department will be reduced from 400 sworn personnel to 344.

The adopted budget includes the layoff notices already issued and includes additional layoffs of approximately 12 employees throughout the City. Additionally, the adopted budget includes more reductions to programs and services. Library hours will be reduced by 10 percent and 5 positions will be eliminated. Recreation center hours and programs will be reduced with 22 part-time positions eliminated. Positions in Public Works, Police Department civilians and other support departments will be eliminated.

“This budget is a snapshot in time,” said Mayor Ann Johnston. “Given all of the uncertainties we face, we will need to be monitoring the budget on almost a weekly basis and adjusting throughout the year.”

A budget proposed on June 9, 2009 was not adopted. A majority of the Council rejected the initial proposal, because it contained an assumption that the City of Stockton would receive $5.5 million in federal stimulus funds for police officers (COPS grant funding). The budget adopted this evening has eliminated this federal funding element.

Stockton Interim Police Chief Blair Ulring answered questions from the Councilmembers about how police services will need to change. He stated that fewer officers will mean that the department will need to focus on responding to calls for service, rather than pro-active or preventative activities, such as School Resource Officers and Community Police Officers. Neighborhood Watch will be very important and citizens will need to file non-emergency police reports online.

“Our backs are up against the wall,” continued the Mayor. “These are extraordinary times and unprecedented. It is truly heartbreaking. We take this very seriously, with great regret. We will do everything we can to rehire those who are being laid off.”
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