Durkan proposes 5% budget cut to Seattle police; some protesters, councilmembers say it's not enough

Mayor Jenny Durkan proposed cutting the Seattle Police Department's budget by about 5% through the rest of the year, but some elected officials and protesters say that falls far short of what they are demanding.

The budget proposal — which is an effort to rebalance the budget due to the novel coronavirus pandemic — said SPD will face the largest budget cuts among all departments for the general fund. The city estimated it will put $233 million toward spending this year related to the coronavirus pandemic, including funds devoted to helping the city's most vulnerable and supporting first responders, essential households and community needs. Coupled with loss of tax revenue, the city faces about a $378 million budget shortfall.

The proposal, which was presented to the council during a meeting Wednesday, includes a $20 million cut to police spending and plans to freeze hiring for sworn officers in 2021 "until a new staffing model and plan is developed reflecting community priorities for public safety."

Durkan has also asked that proposals be developed for what it would look like to cut 20%, 30% and 50% from SPD's budget going forward.

https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/mayor-proposes-5-percent-budget-cut-seattle-police-15364248.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headlines&utm_campaign=spi_itsintheseattlepi