According to the Fairmont Sentinel, the City of Blue Earth decided this week to leave a recently vacated police officer position unfilled due to budgetary concerns. An additional police officer position has been left vacant since 2003/2004 budget cuts. Short two officers, council members expressed concern about leaving both positions unfilled, as doing so will place added stress on a force that is already spread thin.
Cities across the state are making similar difficult choices. With budgets trimmed down to the bone, cutting public safety services and personnel is becoming a reality. Cities need LGA in order to provide essential services, such as public safety, at an affordable price to property taxpayers. Public safety will always be a top priority for cities, but the governor’s proposed cuts to LGA leave few options left for reductions. If public safety is a top priority for you, contact the governor and your legislators, and tell them that LGA is what keeps our communities safe.