City Council undecided on Apopka Police Department's budget

Adds $90,000 to proposed budget for vests, helmets, and tasers; replacement vehicles on hold

Austerity collided with reality on Tuesday, and the result of the crash could change the trajectory of Apopka's 2017-18 fiscal budget.

At the fifth City Council budget meeting, Apopka Chief of Police Michael McKinley gave a sobering presentation of a department in dire need of upgrades in many areas including personnel, ballistics, and particularly in vehicles.

Despite a proposed $15,490,371 APD budget for Fiscal Year 2017-18, which represents approximately 35% of the General Fund, McKinley believes there are essential areas that risk both the success and safety of his agency. The APD is dealing with an aging fleet of vehicles that includes 28 over 10 years old, and 36 with over 100,000 miles. Two unmarked vehicles were totaled in crashes last year and not replaced. They also have tasers that are out of warranty, 35 rifles at the end of their life expectancy (which is 33% of the rifle arsenal), a need for a higher level of ballistic vest for first responders, an officer/population ration that is below the Florida average, and an entry level officer salary average that is falling behind other agencies.

"The proposed budget is going to leave the department with some challenges," he said. "I know there was talk of cutting into the fat, but I think this budget cuts into the muscle too."

McKinley's amended requests above the proposed budget were:

• 2 new police officers
• Level IV ballistic vests and kevlar helmets for first responders (sergeant and below)
• 6 patrol sedans
• 6 patrol SUV's
• 2 unmarked vehicles, plus two additional unmarked vehicles to replace the totaled vehicles
• 1 canine vehicle
• 1 SRO vehicle
• Tasers to replace the out of warranty tasers

The Council added the vests, helmets, and tasers, which added $90,000 to the APD budget. However, the vehicle request was put on a "wish list" to be decided on after the budget meetings are concluded. The vehicle requests will add $670,000 to the APD's budget.

Earlier in the discussion, both McKinley and City Administrator Glenn Irby illustrated the importance of upgrading the aging APD vehicle fleet.

"A pursuit vehicle with over 125,000 miles is beginning to reach a danger element," said McKinley.

Irby agreed with McKinley's assessment.

"Two of the biggest liabilities in our budget are the police and fire departments," he said. "But it can actually be tilted even worse when their equipment is not adequate. There are times when (vehicle) pursuits will go on, and if those cars are falling apart, we'll be looking at a larger liability. They need the equipment."

The budget meetings conclude on Thursday with the Fire Department making its presentation, and then an expected discussion on the items on the "wish list" to finalize the budget amounts for each department, which include the police vehicles requested by McKinley. That will be followed by a vote to set the millage rate for the 2017-18 fiscal budget.