Concord Passes Budget — 3 Resource Officers Cut, Crossing Guards Kept

The Concord City Council approved a balanced 2012-13 budget Tuesday and eliminated three school resource officer positions while retaining intersection crossing guards.

Going into effect July 1 and running through June 30, 2013, the budget cuts a $3.5 million structural deficit identified in the city's 10-year plan to $690,000 — an ammount to be addressed in the 2013-14 fiscal year, according to city documents.

City staff recommended the deficit to be cut to $600,000 as of last week, but council members unanimously agreed Tuesday to continue subsidy of a previously threatened $90,000 . 

Among other stabilization measures — see budget — the city cut funding for three of five $180,000 school resource officer positions responsible for security at Concord's public schools. The move, which saves the city $540,000, means Chief of Police Guy Swanger will have to coordinate coverage schedules with school principals for the two remaining officers, and supplement campus policing needs with patrol units, as needed, according to a city document. 

Revenue from Measure Q, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in November, 2010, will be used to keep city finances runnign smoothly and coffers supplied at 15 percent minimum reserve levels during the city's 10-year plan.

Despite not tapping into the reserves, City officials say they hope to bring them up to 30 percent when the economy improves. 

What do you think of the city's decision to save $540,000 by freezing school resource officer positions?

Are the five public schools safe with only two officers on campuses, in your opinion?

Tell us in the comments. 

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