Redding faces proposed cuts in the police and fire brigade to fix deficit

Redding, California – – – The city of Redding consists of a budget deficit of 5 million US dollars and prompted the city administrators to propose cuts. The proposal triggered a controversy, in particular city councilor Tenessa Audette, who spoke out against the law enforcement authorities, citing earlier cuts.

The city administrators recommended that the police department be reduced by wear and tear, which would save $ 480,000 annually. This plan would reduce the number of officers from 122 to 110, with a gradual increase to 114 civil servants in the next few years. “Nobody is released,” said city administrator, emphasizing that these are positions that the city strategically held.

The proposal also includes the reduction of tourism contracts by $ 350,000 per year. Council member Mike Littau commented on the potential long -term effects of reducing tourism financing on the budget.

The city found that the budget remained flat from 2024 to this year without increases. From 2026 you will project an annual increase of 3%. In addition, the temporary occupancy tax is currently practical, but is expected to increase by 4% after 2026, while cannabisteuers have dropped by 9.6% this year.