The Clinton Fire Department and Police Department are speaking out about the city’s proposed franchise fee.
The city is proposing to implement the fee in order to help fix its $1 million deficit.
If the fee isn’t passed, the police department would have to layoff officers. The fire department would also have to remain short on firefighters.
Both departments are concerned about maintaining the city’s safety.
Bill Greenwalt, Clinton Police Deputy Chief, said crime is down now by 19% compared to the last previous 10 years, but that can change.
“We just can’t afford to lose any officers at this time,” Greenwalt said. “Right now we are at about 1.7 officers per 1,000 citizens in the community. We certainly don’t want to go below that. The recommendations from the Department of Justice, the FBI and some other national institutions say the average should be no lower than that but would recommend 2.5.”