Cincinnati Police Officers will be walking beats as part of their daily shifts effective June 28.
That’s one part of a budget-cutting plan approved Monday by Cincinnati City Council’s Finance Committee.
The measure has the backing of Laketa Cole, David Crowley, Greg Harris, Roxanne Qualls and Cecil Thomas.
Council has to cut $20 million in spending to balance the budget for 2009. Much of the shortfall will be made up with six furlough days.
In addition, Police Department spending will decrease by $.13 million and fire department expenditures will be cut $.12 million. There won’t be layoffs in either department. Most of the savings will come from overtime.
Having police officers shut off their cruisers and patrol on foot for an hour will save gasoline and improve community relations, according to Cole.
A number of cuts recommended by City Manager Milton Dohoney Jr. were restored.
Two Basic Life Support Ambulances for the Cincinnati Fire Department will remain in service and the Camp Washington and Carthage Recreation Centers will stay open.
There won’t be any service reductions at city swimming pools.
