Lafayette Council Members have a clearer understanding of what the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments are asking for, after a briefing today discussing the 2014 budget and the changes coming next year.
One of the biggest changes?
The Traffic and Transportation Department is no more.
It's now under the Department of Public Works, which itself saw a major influx of cash.
$6 million will now by under the umbrella of public works, money that was being used in the outlying and unincorporated parts of the parish.
While some residents seem unhappy with that move, others don't think it's a bad idea because the money will still be used within the parish.
On the flip side, The Lafayette Police Department is working with a tighter budget and lower numbers, something that Police Chief Jim Craft and council members say needs to be addressed.
"It's been a bit more difficult which results in increased costs over time. It's one of the challenges we face this year is filling vacancies", says Craft.
Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux says, "We have some limitations, and as you know you've covered some issues recently as it relates to safety. We need to build our police department and we need to get to the point where we can offer a pay that is attractive so that we can get to that 300 man police department based on our population."
If you want to give your two cents about the new budget, here are the times as well as what will be discussed at the hearings.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 1:00 PM
Fire
Police
Public Works & Capital
Traffic & Transportation
Thursday, August 8, 2013, 1:00 PM
Community Development
Planning, Zoning & Codes
Adult Correction
Recreation
Information Services
*Office of Homeland Security &
Emergency Preparedness
(formerly called Civil Defense/911)
Thursday, August 15, 2013, 1:00 PM
LUS & Capital
LUS Communications
Thursday, August 22, 2013, 1:00 PM
1 - City Court 11 - Coroner
2 - City Marshal 12 - Health Unit
3 - District Attorney 13 - Cajundome
4 - District Court 14 - Juvenile Detention
5 - Assessor 15 - Animal Control
6 - Registrar of Voters 16 - Library
7 - County Agent 17 - Finance
8 - Justice of Peace/ 18 - President's Office
Constables 19 - CAO
9 - Municipal Civil 20 - Council Office
Service 21 - Legal/Prosecutor
10 - Fire & Police CS
Thursday, August 29, 2013, 5:30 PM
Public Hearing for Citizen Input
Thursday, September 5, 2013, 1:00 PM
Wrap-Up