Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on Friday vetoed a City Council budget plan to scrap funding for the police department and eliminate the city’s homeless outreach team, among other programs.
The nine-member council approved the rebalanced budget that would have reduced police funding by 14% for the remainder of 2020. The move would also result in the loss of 100 police officers through dismissal and attrion.
The cuts would total about $ 23 million of the remaining $ 127 million in the budget, KOMO News reported.
“This veto was because the bills, as passed, did not have the type of cooperation that I think we will have going forward, and that I hope we will have going forward,” Durkan said during a news conference. “There are some flaws in each of these (accounts) that I hope the council can correct, or through discussions we can work together to find a way forward.
“I continue to worry about council decisions to make cuts before they have a plan,” she added. “I do not believe that the 2020 budget in its current form will bring us closer to those shared goals. I truly believe that we can and must find common ground for the vision of SPD. ”
Durkan, a Democrat, cited the lack of a plan for how public safety would be addressed if the policy were to be implemented, and said programs should be in place first before making substantial cuts to the police department.
Council President Lorena Gonzalez said she was “disappointed” to hear Durkan oppose the veto proposals, “which were overwhelmingly supported by the City Council.”
“I have to believe that we are more in agreement when we disagree, and I will strive to bridge the gap on our few but critical differences of opinion,” González said.
“I hope the public knows that their elected leaders are committed to working together to bring about a long-lasting transformation of our law enforcement and criminal justice systems that have long perpetuated trauma and damage to our blacks, browns and domestic neighbors. ”
Durkan said Friday that she has spoken with González, and is optimistic that the council and her office can work out a compromise.
The hovering proposals prompted police chief Carmen Best to issue her resignation days after the council vote. The plan would also have reduced their salaries and that of several officers in their command. Best said she left because of the ‘lack of respect’ for her officers, not the proposed pay cuts.
One of the programs on the block was the city’s Navigation Team, which consisted of police officers and homeless outreach workers. Some councilors considered the officers on the team to be nothing more than “homeless camp sweepers.”
Other units – including the Harbor Patrol, SWAT, Public Affairs and Horse Unit – were also intended for demolition.
Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best speaks at a news conference on August 11. (AP Photo / Ted S. Warren)
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The council is in the middle of a three-week recession. It may choose to veto it if it comes back in September with a supermajority vote.
Durkan also announced that she and the council have agreed to provide $ 45 million in COVID-19 relief funds for 2020 and 2021.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
