Paul Solves Billings’ Public Safety Budget Shortfall

This morning, the Billings Gazette officially endorsed the controversial Billings Public Safety Levy, which will be presented to voters in November.  The levy would add 14 policeman and 6 firefighters and help replace outdated equipment.  It would also make a huge addition to your property taxes.

If the levy is passed, it will eventually cost the average Billings homeowner an average of $325 per year...forever.  That's right, there is no end in sight to this levy;  it will be permanent and perpetual.

Lately, one of our corporate bigwigs has been encouraging us to quit complaining and start coming up with solutions.  Which led Paul to a moment of clarity during one of his recent tractor rides (all of Paul's best ideas are hatched while he's driving his tractor).

The answer is simple.  Instead of putting the burden on homeowners and taxpayers who have already picked up the check for a shiny new ballpark, library and to repair our schools, why not do this instead?  First, incorporate volunteer firefighters to work alongside our existing fire department.  Provide those volunteers with adequate training and they will be ready to assist when we need them.  This approach has been successfully implement in many cities across the country.  It will help deter the rising costs while still protecting us.

When it comes to the police, you often hear talk comparing the number of cops on the streets to other cities. But what they don't take into account is the number of sheriffs who are also on patrol.  If we were to combine our country sheriffs office and the city police force, their numbers would be more than adequate.  Yellowstone County has roughly 120,000 residents. We live in a small community.  Why do we need two separate law enforcement agencies?  We don't.

If the police and sheriff's department were consolidated, they would be much more efficient.  Sure, we only have 140 police officers.  But we also have 80 sheriff's officers. A combined force of 220 Yellowstone County policeman would exceed the percentage of law enforcement officers in other cities.