General Discussion

PotatoChip

(3,186 posts)

18. Why does a city of only 6 sq miles need so much money?

Fri Dec 19, 2014, 04:15 PM

Dec 2014

Apparently there are over 21,000 people, which makes it a pretty densely populated place.

But still; geesh... The Ferguson Police Department has an annual budget of $5,282,900!

The Ferguson Police Department includes 72 personnel including 54 commissioned officers and 18 civilian support staff.[1] The officers are all police academy graduates and are certified peace officers by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.[1]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferguson_Police_Department_(Missouri)

I couldn't find numbers for other paid city employees, but I wonder if they are just as bloated? What else could explain their needing $18.6 million if it is just for the usual necessary services for 21,000 people residing in 6 sq miles?

Is it just me, or does that seem like a lot?

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19 replies

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Ferguson to Increase Police Ticketing to Close City�s Budget Gap [View all] dixiegrrrrl Dec 2014 OP

Exactly Just for Fun Dec 2014 #1

Because we know that will improve relations with the community.... daleanime Dec 2014 #2

In other words... RoccoR5955 Dec 2014 #16

In other words... Wounded Bear Dec 2014 #3

Exactly. dixiegrrrrl Dec 2014 #10

No shame Feral Child Dec 2014 #4

Oh that's a good idea ... the citizens of Fergusen must be elated etherealtruth Dec 2014 #5

This is something that affects poor people more. Trillo Dec 2014 #6

What could go wrong?! nt Ykcutnek Dec 2014 #7

People should refuse to pay the fines and do the jail time instead. nt Malraiders Dec 2014 #8

So if everyone drove especially carefully in the city limits Savannahmann Dec 2014 #9

Driving under the speed limit could be considered 'impeding traffic' also... 951-Riverside Dec 2014 #13

not if you maintain the speed limit. RoccoR5955 Dec 2014 #17

Brilliant. There is no possible negative outcome to this idea. arcane1 Dec 2014 #11

More people stopped equals more people beat down or shot. n/t benz380 Dec 2014 #12

The BOHICA principle in action hifiguy Dec 2014 #14

This is a big part of the problems there in the first place. Maybe they can open a new source by add jwirr Dec 2014 #15

Why does a city of only 6 sq miles need so much money? PotatoChip Dec 2014 #18

Seems like a lot. dixiegrrrrl Dec 2014 #19