ATWATER -- City Hall was packed Monday night with rambunctious residents expressing concern over the possibility of cuts to police officers.
Though nothing has been finalized with the Police Department, several developments took place during the meeting, some prompting the audience to cheer the council.
Anthony Cardoza, vice president of the Atwater Police Officer's Association, said before the meeting he had heard that if the Police Department doesn't come to the table and agree to some cutbacks, City Manager Kathy Kivley would impose furloughs and layoffs.
The rumored cuts would include up to four officers and a dispatcher, Cardoza said.
For a department that's down four officers, taking away more positions would mean services will suffer and some crimes might not be investigated, he said.
"Everyone loses in this situation, especially the public," Cardoza said.
Over the weekend, Andy Krotik, a community activist and former councilman, collected about 1,000 signatures of residents opposed to police layoffs.
He presented the signatures to the council Monday night and said more signatures are on the way.
"Cut elsewhere," Krotik said. "Don't cut the boots on the ground."
Many people at the meeting wore pins reading "No police layoffs in Atwater!" and others had signs saying "No police layoffs!"
In addition to residents, several officers were present for the meeting.
Many speakers pleaded with the council not to cut public safety, but when their comments shifted to criticism of the council's high pay and benefits, Mayor Joan Faul balked, saying that topic would come up later in the meeting.
And it did.
Council members unanimously voted to: eliminate council health insurance, to get rid of in-lieu-of health insurance payments, and. have staff research the council's car allowance before bringing it back for discussion July 25.
Council pay and benefits, which cost the city more than $100,000 a year, have been a point of contention recently. Some residents are still calling for the council to return any in-lieu-of health insurance payments to the city.
As for the Police Department, nothing is finalized and discussions between the city and union are still open, said Police Chief Richard Hawthorne.
In June, Hawthorne said there's a "strong possibility" that he would retire in December, but in an effort to possibly save an officer's position, he's decided to move that date up.
"I've had my career," he said. "They need to have theirs.'"
Hawthorne said there's a good chance he'll retire in August, although that is not finalized.
Reporter Mike North can be reached at (209) 385-2453 or mnorth@mercedsun-star.com.
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