Police promised 154 officers in 2007
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

It would be hard to blame members of the Amherst Police Department if they were skeptical, but it appears the force will reach 154 officers in 2007.

Council Member Bill Kindel's resolution to restore funding for public safety in the town's 2007 proposed budget was approved 5-2, with Council Member Shelly Schratz and Supervisor Satish Mohan voting no.

The resolution will restore $1.61 million in funding to the Police Department budget, which includes filling the 154 officer positions and hiring crossing guards.

"This reallocates funds to protect the public," Kindel said.

Kindel's plan of transferring funds from the supervisor's budget ($80,000) and the savings from an accounting mistake that twice recorded a revenue source in the fire district budget ($54,127) will be used toward that reimbursement.

He also stated that the town needs to settle the highway contract by March to save $450,000 annually to be used in other lines.

Kindel's plan, which marks additional transfers, does not have a bottom line effect on the total budget. Through two resolutions passed at Monday's meeting, more than $2.3 million was transferred to the police, museum, North Amherst Fire District, emergency services and Williamsville library.

The police force had previously been approved at 154, but the hirings never took place after Mohan said he would not approve the paperwork.

A lawsuit between the Amherst Police Club and the Town of Amherst on that matter is still awaiting a written ruling, but proceeding Erie County Court Judge Joseph Glownia has verbally stated he ruled in favor of the Police Club.

"It disgusts me that (the Town Board) is going to try and micromanage our police department," Kindel said in response to Schratz's suggestion that only three of the five vacant officer positions be filled.

Council Member William A. O'Loughlin Jr. said an increase in crime requires the need for the previously approved officers. "This subject has been put to

bed after nine long months," he said, adding that the numerous police officers and personnel who attended the meeting should rest assured the change will be made.

The vote, taken after 11 p.m., was done just in time for the third-shift officers to report to work.

Voting no, Mohan said that because the Town of Amherst was ranked the second safest city in the United States with 149 officers then there was no need for the increase.

"The phrase is, if it's not broke, don't fix it," Mohan said.

Prior to the vote being taken, Chief John Moslow spoke during the public hearing on the $110 million budget.

He told the board that there are more and more issues with drugs and weapons at schools, and he needs officers to combat those situations. Moslow added that the increased threat on Homeland Security is an added challenge.

"It is more important than ever before to have the appropriate support for the large community of 118,000," he said, adding that the Town of Amherst has 50 percent fewer officers than the U.S. average for a town of its size.

"I am recommending 154 officers on staff. If you don't feel the town can afford that level of safety that is your decision."

Also, part of the public safety resolution was restoring $57,520 to emergency services which will keep a full-time assistant emergency services director on staff.

Deputy Supervisor Deborah Bruch Bucki said the Oct. 12 storm showed the importance of having two people in that department.

Budget amendments by the Town Board become official with the adoption of the 2007 budget, slated to take place Monday, Nov. 20.