Oregon Public Broadcasting



Cities across Oregon expect a tight budget year, since the economy’s still very slow. Portland’s police bureau says it’s geared up for moderate cuts. 


Most city bureaus have to cut four percent, but public safety will be expected to trim only two percent.



Assistant Chief Larry O’Dea says the bureau is fortunate to be facing shallower cuts.

But he added, “Last year we were in a situation that with the restructure, we were able to not lose any services at all. The cuts we’re having this time, some of that will be some losses.”



Last year, the Bureau eliminated one entire precinct.  O’Dea does not expect anything like that to happen this year.  He says the bureau’s mounted unit - the horse patrol - will again be a target for cuts.  

The reductions that Chief Rosie Sizer has proposed amount to $2.8 million. 
 
The city’s police unions have just begun negotiating with the city for the next contract – their present agreement ends June 30th.

The bureau’s budget hearing will be scheduled sometime in the next few weeks.