Officials in the city of Paterson, New Jersey are planning to axe over 150 police officers, representing 30% of the police force, to mend the city’s $54 million budget gap. Based on the reports, the council, together with Mayor Jeffrey Jones, had a closed door meeting on Friday to tackle the possible citywide layoffs and furloughs in various government offices. In addition, raising municipal taxes by 50% is also being considered to balance out the pressing budget deficit.

Council President Aslon Goow Sr. promised that other options will also be considered and the possible layoff in the Paterson police force will be their lat resort. Meanwhile, Paterson’s Policemen’s Benevolent Association member, Steve Olimpio, said that slashing the Paterson police force may trigger future security issues. “The idea is senseless. If you take that many guys off the street, it’s going to be mayhem out there.”

The $54 million budget gap is the largest deficit recorded in the history of Paterson city. In September, the proposed budget for the city was $251 million. The council is expecting state aid of about $22 million, to bring the budget gap to $54 million, and members are still having more budget hearings to discuss the city’s financial crisis.

Source: http://www.northjersey.com/news/121710_Paterson_may_lay_off_150_police_officers_to_balance_budget.html

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