Councilmen: Don’t Fill Three Providence Police Vacancies
Friday, February 25, 2011
Seven Providence city councilmen say the city can save $595,000 annually if Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare agrees to keep three soon-to-be vacant positions within the Police Department unfilled.
In a letter sent Friday, the Councilmen asked Pare not to fill the Deputy Chief position as well as two majors in the department. The salaries for the three roles range between $110,385-$116,455, but the Council argues the cost to the city is far steeper when benefits and pensions are factored in. According to the letter, the actual cost for each position approaches $200,000.
Council President Solomon noted that Commissioner Pare is currently reviewing the entire public safety department in an attempt to find savings.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“His review will inform us as to areas where the public safety department may be able to reduce costs,” Solomon said. “He may find opportunities to make changes to the staffing structure, without impeding the ability of the department to do its job.”
Ward 6 Councilman Michael Correia said this was one way to help address the city’s finances.
“We’re talking about the potential for real cost savings here. Of course, this step alone will not solve our budget crisis,” Correia said, “But, in combination with other efforts, we can begin to address the City’s significant financial problems.”
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