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http://www.omniture.com --> Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement Email Story to a Friend May 11, 2006 Chief: MPD needs 48 new officers By Meg Landers Mail Tribune Citing an increase in the severity and number of reported crimes and the city's growing population, the Medford Police Department is asking to phase in up to 48 new officers and support workers over the next six years beginning in 2007. "All of this is incremental," said Medford Police Chief Eric Mellgren. "Whether we are given a go-ahead to hire 10, 20 or 30, it all would be phased in." How the additional staffing — sworn officers, community service officers, analysts, technicians and records specialists — would be funded is up to the council, he said. "Anything we ask for is expensive," he said. "We didn't really want to attach money to this discussion." The Medford City Council will meet in a study session to discuss the police department at noon today in Room 151, Lausmann Annex, 200 S. Ivy St. Without the staff addition, the 95-officer department would begin to cut down on investigations and responses to reports of crime. Mellgren said some of the cutbacks could include reducing the number of crash scene investigations or no longer sending a police officer to the scene of a theft from a car. Such cases might just warrant a report written up after the event, he said. Medford police responded to 74,177 calls for service in 2005, a 55 percent increase from 47,983 calls in 2000. Since 1999, the department has added one officer position. According to staff reports, each police officer costs the city $100,000 per year. In October, police officials discussed funding prospects with the council, including adding a public safety fee to the city utility bill, such as $4 per month, or a public safety property tax. The city has been researching other possible revenue sources, such as a tourism fee or tax. City Manager Mike Dyal said the council wants to look at a property tax increase, but until it's decided how many positions will be added, it's difficult to come up with a levy amount. Medford City Councilman Medford City Councilman James Kuntz said before adding to police staffing, the council needs to figure out where to put everyone because City Hall is crowded. Some city offices could be moved to the Carnegie Library building in Alba Park, though that building is in need of extensive renovations. "First we have to figure out the space option because there's not enough space for them," said Kuntz. "I think it's sort of sequential." Regardless of what the city does, Kuntz said it likely won't happen this year because a more firm plan needs to be in place. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers Southern Oregon Loans California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy