LETTER: Overspending on police cuts into funds needed for EMTs

To Ozaukee Press:

I’m continually disheartened to see the struggles with staffing the ambulance in Port Washington. Citizens rely on this vital service where added minutes in response time can mean the difference in life and death.

One look at the proposed city budget for 2021 makes it very clear where additional funds are available to improve emergency medical care in Port Washington. The police department currently represents 34% of the total budget expenditures for the city. This 34% is a larger share of the budget than the fire department, library, parks and recreation and conservation and development combined receive.

It is also one of only two departments to get more funding in 2021, while spending is being cut elsewhere. Covid-19 has made it clear it is time to realign spending in our city to better serve its citizens.

It is time to reduce spending by the police department and fully fund the EMT positions needed by the fire department.

Peter Vander Velden
Port Washington