The Evansville City Council has wrapped up a week of budget hearings, following a presentation by the police chief.
Chief Billy Bolin is seeking 35 new police cars. He told the council that the department’s older vehicles need to be replaced. Members of the council were supportive.
Council Finance Chairman Connor O’Daniel says the city should be committing $1 million a year in casino funds to police vehicles. He disagrees with some of the Winnecke's administration proposed spending of casino revenue.
City Controller Russ Lloyd defends the mayor’s riverboat budget as “balanced.”
O’Daniel points to one-percent pay raises for city employees and a proposed blight elimination program as items that may be cut. He said the cuts would save more than $2 million.
Last year, the council trimmed $5 million from the mayor’s budget.