Comm Devel Ad C budget cutsH&CD
Housing and Community Development Deparlraemt
i805 Central Avenue
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-3656
(563) 5894239 office
(563) 5894244 fax
May 30 2003
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:
The Community Development Advisory Commission has been advised of the
budget reductions under consideration for the City's Fiscal Year 2004 operations
as they potentially will impact the community development program. We are
writing to express our concern with proposals for reduction of public safety
personnel, particularly with reference to the community oriented policing (COP)
Program.
The positive impacts of the COP officers on the health and vitality of the
downtown neighborhoods have been well documented. The partnership that has
been developed between the COP and the Housing and Community
Development Department has resulted in a level of responsive service that is the
envy of other Iowa cities. That relationship has also resulted in a high level of
accountability required of participants in the City's Section 8 rental assistance
programs, further insuring responsible tenant behaviors, good relationships with
landlords and maintenance of the appearance and safety of our neighborhoods.
The Commission, at its May 28th meeting, passed a resolution encouraging the
City Council to consider all possible alternative ways of addressing the budget
short-tall in the interest of keeping our current complement of fire and police
personnel. In particular, it was suggested that the Council consider one-time use
of available reserve funds to address the projected FY04 deficit.
Sincerely
Walt Pregler, Chairperson
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork