Question: What is your stance on the current funding and resource allocation for police, fire, and emergency services in Denton? Are there any reforms you believe are necessary?
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Karen DeVINNEY
I’ve proposed moving and expanding the Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team and Crisis Intervention Response Team to a separate unit that would serve both Fire and Police. This may or may not cost a net increase in budgets.
The Fire Department is seeking to increase firefighter staffing levels to comply with National Fire Protection Association 1710, which calls for four-person crews on every truck. I would have to look at the numbers when the city budget is worked out this fall.
Fire and Police are essential services that deserve budgetary prioritization.
Suzi RuMOHR
Adequately funded emergency response services are critical to a safe, functioning city. Denton must offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain high-quality individuals in these positions.
I am interested in creative approaches to addressing resource strains when public safety personnel and vehicles are tied up with non-emergency calls. This could include efforts to reduce these types of calls by addressing root causes. It could also include approaches to send initial response teams that tie up fewer resources and can call additional help when needed.
Ultimately I would work with public safety professionals, city finance staff, and other relevant departments to understand the challenges, weigh the options, and identify a sustainable path forward.
Margie ELLIS
First responders are a necessary and vital part to any city. We must support it.
That being said, audit and oversight must be a part of the budgeting process. With that must come the understanding of collective bargaining agreements, as well as understanding the needs of these highly trained and skilled civil servants.