UPDATED: Redmond City Council Approves Public Safety Levy Resolution

Redmond police in the library watching over the Community Court.
The Body-worn Camera Program will be funded by the General Fund
not the Levy.  photo credit, Bob Yoder

REDMOND, WA – At their July 19 business meeting, members of the Redmond City Council voted five to two (Fields,Kahn) in support of adding a proposition to the November 8, 2022, King County election. With a majority vote, Councilmembers passed Resolution No. 1560, which places a proposition on the ballot to fund a comprehensive public safety program beginning in 2023.

“Placing a levy on the November ballot empowers Redmond voters to choose the future direction of our public safety programs,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “Our community has consistently requested alternative public safety approaches to address today’s challenges. This levy goes beyond retaining and expanding police and fire staff. It also funds alternative approaches to crisis intervention while connecting our community members with appropriate services.”

The proposed measure would raise property taxes beginning in 2023 by *$0.366 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, which would generate $10.4 million per year. This would cost the median Redmond homeowner $30.50 a month or $366 a year, based on the City’s 2021 average home assessed value of one million dollars.

Redmond voters last passed a public safety levy in 2007. By state law, revenue from the levy is limited to a 1% increase per year, while expenses have increased approximately 5% per year. As a result of expenses outpacing revenue, the City is proposing a new levy to maintain the existing services and fund innovative service enhancements requested by the community.

“The 2007 levy no longer supports the services our changing city needs,” said Mayor Birney. “Now is the time to strategically invest in our growing community and address our evolving public safety needs. The proposal before the voters will strengthen the community through innovative programs that provide safety, stability, and resources for anyone in crisis.”

If approved, the new revenues would fund the traditional and innovative safety approaches outlined in Redmond’s Comprehensive Public Safety Plan, including: Hiring additional personnel to increase mental and behavioral health services, crisis response, and resources to support special need community members.

• Enhancing mobile health services through the Fire Department
• Expanding fire personnel to increase fire suppression capabilities within Redmond
• Adding police personnel to support rapid response to a growing and changing community
• Reinvesting in the fire and police personnel supported by the 2007 property tax levy lid lift

More information about the levy and Comprehensive Public Safety Plan can be viewed at www.LetsConnectRedmond.com/Safety.  City Press Release, 7/25/2022

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I am not very happy with this resolution.  Council isn't honest about the Body-worn Camera Program as being entirely funded by the General Fund / One-Time money.  In fact, the ongoing expenses of the program will be on the ballot this year!  Funding 6 mental health specialists to work the streets, including one mental professional and five social workers/case managers is imperative. 

  -- Bob Yoder, 7/25/2022  Updated 10/29/2022

OPINION: Vote "No" On Public Safety Levy, Rosemarie Ives

Redmond Police in library watching over the Community Court

Credit: Yoder / click to enlarge

On July 16th, Redmond City Council is making their decision on the Public Safety Levy.  You may give them your comments and opinion at this email:  Council@redmond.gov  BY

Good evening Mayor and Council,

Opinion:  My name is Rosemarie Ives, former Redmond mayor, 1992 through the end of 2007

I am here tonight to discourage the council from proposing a new levy to fund staff and programs in both police and fire departments.  At a time with the highest inflation rate in 40 years, the threat of a recession, rising gas, food and housing costs, this is hardly the time for the City to ask the people to increase what they already pay in taxes.  An additional levy will worsen an already unaffordable Redmond.

Detention Tanks Safeguard Sammamish River, WLWB Exit Dangerous

In this image, notice the beginning of  the West Lake Sammamish Blvd. exit off of SR-520.  Do you see the beginnings of  light rail construction on the right?  The train will run right over the exit ramp. 

This exit was one of the most dangerous for me in Redmond for a while, especially at night.  The "fake" stop light, further down the sharp ramp was very misleading. Did this exit frighten you too?  Finally, it's fixed.

The video shows two points of interest.  

1)  As you drive east on SR-520, notice how close the rail is to the highway.  

2)  Orange stormwater detention tanks are densely massed together for a good reason; the Sammamish River is immediately below the filthy construction site.  Detention tanks "filter" contaminated sediment from construction runoff. 

Sound transit is a steward of our environment.  

--Bob Yoder, opinion/ Video Yoder, 5/29/2022

King County Property Taxes Rise At 'Unprecedented' Rates; 2023Tax Hikes Likely

Property Value Data Released 5/13/2022

 "King county hasn’t yet determined next year’s 2023 property tax bills, but the hottest local housing markets are likely to see “a double-digit increase,” said King County Assessor John Wilson."

"The local market has taken off since early in the pandemic, spurred by a combination of few houses for sale, a flood of buyers taking advantage of low mortgage-interest rates, and a continuing influx of highly paid workers with stock options. That has driven up home prices across the region and worsened housing affordability. The median sale price for a single-family house in King County hit nearly $1 million last month."

-- By Heidi Grover, Seattle Times business reporter, 5/13/2022 (excerpted, edited)

OPINION: Redmond Council Approves $7.5 million Homicide Settlement

Message from Chief Lowe on Settlement with Churna Family

Chief Darrell Lowe
Internet

Dear Redmond Community,

At a special meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Redmond City Council approved a $7.5 million settlement to the family of Andrea Thomas Churna, who was shot and killed by a Redmond Police officer on Sept. 20, 2020.

The original Redmond Police Department news release on Sept. 21, 2020, included an error, stating, "During the interaction, she confronted officers with a handgun, multiple shots were fired, and the subject was struck several times." 

While Churna was armed with a handgun earlier in the encounter with Redmond officers, when she was shot and killed in the hallway just outside of her apartment, Churna was unarmed. Following the shooting, the officers found Churna’s gun on the balcony of her apartment. I apologize to Andrea Thomas Churna's family and loved ones for the inaccurate statement made regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.

Our Stories | Redmond Police / April 2022

Have you ever seen the city police team patrolling the downtown on their bicycles?  

Kirkland Residents Suing City of Kirkland and King County Over Plans for "Homeless Hotel"

A group is suing the City of Kirkland and King County over the county’s plan to convert a Kirkland hotel to a permanent supportive housing site for people who are chronically homeless.

"Keep Kids Safe," a group of Kirkland residents and parents whose children attend schools near La Quinta Inn & Suites, allege in the lawsuit that city and county officials didn't hold public meetings that were required before King County bought the site in March.

King County paid $28.1 million for the 121-room building, according to the Department of community and Human Services, with money from Health Through Housing program financed by a 0.1-cent sales tax to buy hotels, motels and other sites with single rooms for emergency and permanent housing.

-- Paige Cornwell, reporter for the "Seattle Times," 4/4/2022

   The article is truncated and excerpted by Bob Yoder. 

   The entire article and a photo is here.

2007 Public Safety Levy

A significant investment that has contributed to Redmond’s strong emergency services system is a property tax levy approved by voters in 2007. For more than a decade, this levy has provided essential support in keeping our Fire and Police Departments staffed, including funding for 18 firefighters and 17 police personnel.

However, over the last 15 years the purchasing power of the levy has decreased over time. Revenue from the levy by law can only grow 1% every year – but expenses have increased approximately 5% every year, rapidly outpacing revenue. The 2007 levy can no longer support the same services it once did. Our growing community and evolving public safety needs require additional investments now to ensure a safe and supportive system for everyone.

 Retaining critical staff working to keep us safe, $3.5 million

• The 2007 property tax levy approved by voters included funding for 18 firefighters (enough to staff an additional aid car and a new fire station) and 17 police personnel.

• Revenue from the levy by law has only grown 1% every year, while expenses have increased approximately 5% every year, rapidly outpacing revenue.

• $3.5 million will retain 18 firefighters (enough to staff a new fire station) and 17 police personnel.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/21/2022

    `Source: Council meeting memo

The 2022 "Public Safety Levy" is: $10,392,872/year or ~ $28.33/month or ~ $340/year on a $1 million house.  Property taxes will be $0.34 per $1,000 assessed valuation.  $3.5 million will go to retaining 18 firefighters and 17 police personnel.

UPDADED: Police Chief Lowe Presents Levy Costs

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe

Adjusted 5% for inflation over six years.

Police Chief Darrell Lowe submitted his 2022 Public Safety "ask" to Council at a 3/15 Committee meeting, as follows:  

• Mental Health Professional, *1 Full Time Employee (FTE,) $157,636 (includes services.)
• Police Personnel, 13 FTE, $2,143,603
• Police Support, 3FTE $369,047
• Body-Worn & In-Car Cameras, $934,910 / year for labor and other ongoing expenses. The equipment and maintenance agreement is already purchased.

The Chief's final, approved "ask" added 5 mental health professionals.

TOTAL ANNUAL POLICE LEVY "ASK" IS $3,600,000/ YEAR (35% of the proposed total levy.) The Fire component is ~ 33% of the levy.  Continuation of the 2007 Levy is ~ 30% of the levy.)

After questioning by Councilmember David Carson, Chief Lowe told Council the Body Worn Camera $934,910 expense is primarily for additional staff, all with ongoing yearly salaries. 

• Paralegal
• Deputy prosecutor
• Police Sergeant
• Records person
• IT / TIS person

The remnant is for licensing and storage.

Captain Brian Coats reported  the U.S. Department of Justice gave the City a $170,000 matching grant for body worn cameras. It's use is equipment, software and storage.

If passed, the total annual "Public Safety Levy" is: $10,392,872/year or ~ $28.33/month or ~ $340/year on a $1 million house.  Property taxes will be $0.34 per $1,000 assessed valuation.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/15/2022

    Source:  RCTV / Facebook Live / CCOW-Safety, 3/15/2022

Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard Describes Public Safety Levy Needs

"The 2022 Public Safety Levy will raise fire fighting capabilities by 50%"

-- Fire Chief Sheppard

Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard gave a brief presentation to the Council Committee of the Whole about his 2022 Public Safety Levy needs.

• Mobile Integrated Health Full Time Employee (FTE)  $359,574
• Upgrade Station #16 "Engine Company" 12 FTE  $2.1 million
• Upgrade Station #17 "Engine Company" 5 FTE  $776.50 
• Councilmember Anderson asked about the meaning of "Engine Company."  Response not heard.

TOTAL ANNUAL FIRE  LEVY COST:  $3,200,000 (31% of the 2022 Public Safety Levy.)

 If passed, the total annual "Public Safety Levy" is: $10,392,872/year or ~ $28.33/month or ~ $340/year on a $1 million house.  Property taxes will be $0.34 per $1,000 assessed valuation.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/19/2022, Source: CCOW - Safety, 3/15/2022

UPDATED: Redmond Police Update, 2021

 

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe

In a March 14th City Hall meeting, Police Chief Darrell Lowe gave Council an overview of 2021 activities, as follows:  

• 78 commissioned staff, with 8 vacancies; 38 professional staff, with 4 vacancies
• Mental health specialist:  376 response calls, 1,127 total contacts (follow-up with families, courts, health systems and other services.)
• 25,000 calls for service in 2021; a 2.8% increase over 2020.
• 1,171 arrests in 2021; 294 fewer arrests than 2020.
• Crimes per day, down 2.3% from 2020.
• Public Record Requests up 6.8% from 2020

Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer asked if violence picked up during the pandemic.  Chief Lowe said domestic violence increased but it was "yelling" rather than physical. Arrests occurred.  Councilmember Carson asked for a breakdown of the levels of crime and citations of 2021.  Chief said the statistics will be released monthly.  

Councilmember Melissa Stuart asked about the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. Chief said the trend is low for citations, that the job is primarily "relational." Last year the policy changed to a "community response model" where SRO's don't work at just one school; they float.  

The Chief explained the problem with retail shoplifting.  Councilmember Fields asked about catalytic converter theft. Redmond police and other jurisdictions organized a task force to respond. He mentioned an engraving program.

Councilmember Jeralee Anderson and the Chief emphasized the importance of locking your car.  Years ago I learned the hard way.  I won't go into the details, but my company car was stolen and returned two days later by a Redmond officer.  She said youth will steal cars for a joy-ride. I had no idea how she found it.  What an angel!

-- Bob Yoder, 3/19/2022

   Source:  Safety, Council Committee of the Whole meeting, 3/14/2022

To learn about the 2007 Levy and see total costs per household of the 2022 Levy click:  https://www.letsconnectredmond.com/safety

Redmond Fire Tells Their Story

This is one of Mayor Birney's most informative videos on City operations, in this case the Fire Department. It includes engaging interviews with staff and amazing statistics.  

I can most relate to Fire Marshall Todd Short's interview.  He's responsible for fire prevention.  One of his duties is "proper addressing." 

Thirty-five years ago, I almost lost my  rental to a kitchen fire. The tenant was toasting pop tarts. The fire crept behind the oven; smoke took over the whole upper level. The fire fighters said they had a terrible time finding the house. Several engines drove all around looking for the road and street sign.  Once there they did an excellent job extinguishing the fire. Even though the temperature readings were okay, they put an axe to the sheetrock behind the stove to look for evidence of fire. Yikes. I was really impressed and thankful when they blew out the smoke with a powerful fan.  

Okay, it was time for trouble-shooting. I looked for the street signs next to my rental. Three close-by streets form a Y leaving no street sign next to my house.  We didn't have a Fire Prevention Marshall back then so I called CM Richard Cole who incredibly drove to my rental, and looked at the roads and signs. It wasn't long before Public Works installed proper signage.  Thank you Richard!

One last experience:  Last year my neighbor told us her house had a mild "burn" smell.  We called the Fire Department and soon three firefighters arrived. They were very thorough. One of them spent a very long time looking at the furnace...it may have been Mr. Short.  Turns out the filter hadn't been changed for years. She was told to buy a new furnace.  They said calls like this are very common in the Fall when folks start-up their furnaces.  They fanned out the smell!  Great customer service!

-- Bob Yoder, 3/14/2022 

King County Property Tax Bills Arriving Soon

King County property taxes will soon be delivered, according to a Seattle Times article of 2/23/2022.  Rates will hike 1.5% - 15% for King County homeowners depending where they live. 

School levies account for the bulk (~57%) of our property taxes.  According to King County assessor Wilson COVID hasn't been a real issue.  Most think the assessment of their home is the driver for taxes. It isn't.  For a detailed explanation read the Seattle Times article.

The Times published 2021 vs. 2022 Property Tax Bills and Residential Median Values by City.  Yep, I'm sure "Redmond" is what you've been waiting for:  

Redmond

2021  Medium  $861,000  Taxes  $7,997.00   2022  $1,005.000  Taxes $8,267.00  2021-2022  7.88% increase from 2021.

Kirkland

2021  Medium  $728,000  Taxes  $6,892.00  2022  $880,000  Taxes $7,664.00  21-22 tax change 11.2%

Bothell

2021  Medium  $634,000  Taxes  $7,180.00  2022  $758,000 Taxes $7,913.00 21-22 tax change 10.21%

2023 will be an expensive tax year.  So far two levy's are on the table.  One passed.

Lake Washington School District Construction Property tax will go in effect 2023. Hold  onto your hats.

The LWSD Construction Levy property tax  passed.  We will be taxed $0.42 / $1,000 Assessed Value. Assuming a home is conservatively assessed at $900,000 the tax will be $378.00 for year 2023. 

The LWSD Construction Levy is a new property tax.  It authorizes an average of $49.2 million per year over six years. The levy rate is estimated to be an average of $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed value. This rate combined with previously approved construction measures will total $1.32 per thousand assessed value.

The City of Redmond is planning a Public Safety Levy this year.  Again, hold onto your hats.  

In addition to looking at the needs associated with the 2007 Public Safety Levy Lid Lift, an analysis of current and future funding for public safety services will include items such as light rail security, mental health, mobile integrated health, fire coverage, and body worn cameras." [2/15 council memo]

-- Bob Yoder, 2/23/2023

Source: The Seattle Times, 2/23/22 Heidi Groover, reporter

Public Safety Levy Outreach Underway

Councilmember Jeralee Anderson presided over the "Safety Committee of  the Whole Meeting" with   efficiency and attention to time. I've rarely seen a productive meeting run so professionally. 

City of Redmond is Planning a Public Safety Levy

Chief Operating Officer, Malissa Files gave a short presentation during the 2/15 Council Business meeting. She spoke of plans for a Safety Levy this year. Files said the existing Levy would be "refreshed."

"In addition to looking at the needs associated with the 2007 Public Safety Levy Lid Lift, an analysis of current and future funding for public safety services will include items such as light rail security, mental health, mobile integrated health, fire coverage, and body worn cameras." [2/15 council memo]

Councilmember David Carson noted he does not like levies, saying the safety costs should be planned during "Budget By Priorities" not "put on the backs of citizens."  

A Sounding Board of ten community members has been meeting since January.  A telephone survey is planned for this month; extensive community outreach is planned for the next three months. Council will study the levy in two meetings.

Ballot resolutions and pro-con statements are due in August.

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Monthly Cash Flow Summary General Fund 2021-2022  

Public Safety 2007 Levy Fund

Beginning Balance: $2,564,476 

Revenues: $6,374,810

Expenditure Budget: $14,472,336

Expenditures: $7,783,607

  46% under budget

Ending Balance: $1,155,679

Police, 2021 General Fund

$18,151,265 expenditures, 4.53% under budget

Fire, 2021 General Fund

$22,039,668 expenditures, 3.28% over budget

Sources:  Finance, Administration, Communication Committee of the Whole 2/15/2022 Monthly Finance Report.  2/15 Council Business Meeting.

QFC using sophisticated device to deter thievery

The employee didn't want to be taped.

Since the pandemic, thievery in retail stores has been at an all-time high.  Locally, QFC in Bella Bottega has been highly targeted.  The store was recently remodeled to include a large liquor store.  According to an employee, thieves work as a team, where one loads up the grocery cart and another loads the car. They may primarily be after the liquor.  Employees and customers are frightened so don't run down the criminals.  The "Live View" (LTV) device deters 40-70% of the thieves and keeps business running smoothly.  It's extensive network of cameras sends tape back to the police.

                                  Pam, my lovely wife alerted me to this "talking" solar trailer.

-- Bob Yoder, 2/1/2022

City Prepares For Winter Conditions

This is a helpful, interesting and reassuring video about winter safety in Redmond, especially the first 5 minutes. When it's dark and raining drive slowly, even if you feel "pushed" by the car behind you.  It's easy to miss your turn and be put into a precarious situation, right?  I'm not the best driver and almost had two horrifying accidents recently.

-- Bob Yoder, 11/8/2021

Police Chief Lowe Asks Council For De-escalation Equipment

Bola Wrap, Internet

The police department wants to ensure the safety of the community and staff when responding to critical incidents requiring appropriate de-escalation techniques while providing the most current and functional training and equipment. The department anticipates allocating one-time federal funds as follows:

· BolaWrap: The Wrap can safely & humanely restrain resisting subjects from a distance without relying on pain compliance and while keeping all involved safe. When used to control subjects in a mental or drug-impaired crisis, this tool enables officers to keep the community safe and get people the help they need without causing injury. Link to BolaWrap website . ($7,000) 

· Virtual Reality (VR): Axon VR Training provides comprehensive real-world training paired with Taser and other weapons systems to ensure training, coaching, and development for critical incidents. Empathy insights, critical thinking, analytical, and de-escalation skills training are provided. Officer preparedness and tools to identify and address the psychological impacts of the public safety profession are addressed. Link to Axon VR Training website . ($83,000) Pricing starts at $700,  Our police chief wants VR Training beyond his allocation.

· Taser 7 upgrades: Upgrading to Axon Taser 7 provides for the must current platform, integrates with use/training records, and integrates with the Virtual Reality training system. Link to Taser 7 website . ($191,000)  Then ~$60.00/month. [As a lay citizen IMO this upgrade is a luxury; spend it or lose it.]

Committee Of The Whole, memo, 9/22/2021

Firefighter Vaccine Resistance At City Hall

The Fire Chief said at last night's Business Meeting that his department is fully staffed.  He said he lost some well trained employees but was confident with the replacements.  10/20/2021

Redmond Fire, Facebook

To watch the firefighters, and homeless hotel protesters on City of Redmond video click HERE.  (Advance the tape to 2 hours: 17 minutes.) [Homeless Hotel protests start at 40 minutes.]

NOTE:  Firefighter family members visited last night's city council meeting to share their concern that up to 20 employees could lose their job if they do not seek a vaccine by October 18.  Many firefighters and their families addressed the Mayor and Council  emphasizing that in this pandemic none were ever infected. However, early on before the necessity of PPE was recognized four were sent home to quarantine and one quarantined at a fire station. Later the Fire Chief was let go. -- Bob Yoder, 9/212021

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 -- Steve Kiggins, Q-13, 9/21/2021

REDMOND, Wash. - "Controversy is building in Redmond on whether first responders will be granted a religious exemption from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Family members and firefighters from the **Redmond Fire Department say they jumped through all the hoops to apply for the exemption, but now worry the city might not provide accommodations. 

"For us to even contemplate to fire any of these heroes, shame on us," said firefighter mother Sknge Alsin. "We should keep every job intact."

Alsin’s daughter Kayleight is married to a firefighter. Her husband joined the department after spending 10 years as a Redmond cop. 

The family joined a group of firefighters and other family members who expressed their concerns. 

The City of Redmond says it has 164 full time employees at the department. Firefighters say as many as 20 have applied for a religious exemption asking the city to allow them to continue mirroring the health protocols they have been using since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Last week, firefighters say they believed the city would accept their exemption, but now worry the accommodations may not be allowed.

A city spokesperson said the department is following Gov. Jay Inslee’s state mandate on the vaccine. 

-- Steve Kiggins, Q-13, 9/21/2021, edited

-- Bob Yoder, cc: Mayor / Council, 9/22/2021

New Washington State Legislation Prohibits Neck Restraints

 

Auburn Police demonstrating a neck restraint. 
This guy is talking into a microphone - he can breath
Different from a choke hold, a carotid (neck) restraint does not cut off oxygen but instead puts pressure on the carotid arteries to diminish blood-flow to the brain and where properly deployed will render a subject unconscious in 4-7 seconds. (Internet)

The Washington State Legislature recently passed several bills that impact law enforcement procedures, tactics, and operations across the state. As the Redmond Police Department incorporates these changes, I’d like to share a summary with the community.

Effective July 25, 2021

• House Bill 1054 (Tactics) prohibits using a chokehold OR neck restraint, prohibits military equipment, restricts vehicular pursuits, and prohibits firing a weapon at a moving vehicle. Redmond already prohibits chokeholds (but not neck restraints.) and firing at moving vehicles, and our existing pursuit policy is as restrictive as the new legislation. Redmond’s only military surplus equipment (which is not subject to this bill as it is not armored) is a repurposed Ford F850 box truck (previously a Naval Mobile Dental Services Unit), used by crisis negotiators as a place to coordinate, meet, and communicate with subjects during an on-scene response.

--Redmond Police Chief Darrell Howe

  Edited excerpt from City press release, 7/25/2021

UPDATED OPINION, 5/28/2021 Should We Spend $1,450,000 For Police Cameras Next Year?

Internet photo

UPDATED OPINION:  "Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe is exploring equipping Redmond officers with both body-worn and in-car cameras and will present a proposal to City Council in June. The cost for equipment and staffing is anticipated to be approximately $815,000 to initiate the program and about $635,000 annually to maintain." The annual camera maintenance expense for each police officer is $7,299.  Total expenses for the first year will be $1,450,000.  

PATCH:  Regarding the deadly 2020 Redmond police shooting of Andrea Churna:

"The Police chief said he had no reason to believe criminal charges would be filed in the shooting."  -- Patch

The chief concludes:

"It is the Prosecutor's Office who will determine if any criminal charges will be filed against any of the officers involved. Based on what limited information I know now, I have no reason to believe this will happen. Therefore, the officers involved were returned to duty after a period of administrative leave which is protocol in these types of incidents. My heart is with Ms. Churna's family and loved ones, as well as my officers and dispatchers involved in this incident. It is a tragedy this incident had to end with a loss of life. I will continue to share updates with our community as more details become available." 

According to Police Chief Darrell Lowe, a poll on the issue is one of the most successful community polls the city has had with more than 1,400 people having taken it so far. A total of 94% of respondents voted "no" to fund cameras.  "One of the most successful community polls?"  Hardly.  The population of Redmond is ~ 65,000.  1378 votes is not statistically significant in our city.  In the final poll the worm turned and ~ 87% of the respondents voted "yes" to not fund cameras.

Council should weigh the cost and define the necessity of body cameras vs. the city budget and community benefits derived without cameras. A few benefits our community could garner without the $635,000 annual expense of  cameras are:   Enhanced mental health training and patrols, enhanced bias training, social workers, community education forums, improved homeless care, meaningful mental health care on the street; drug intervention, sheltering outreach; upgraded SRO resources, fewer levies. As the city grows, council will have the funds to add safety FTEs. Mitigated overtime costs.  I'm sure our Council could identify other benefits.

Redmond is a mostly sleepy town, compared to most other cities. Our police should feel blessed to have a beat here; Chief Lowe has the funds to hire the finest.  Apparently, the  most common crime in Redmond is "smash and dash" vehicular break-ins. Package and mail theft and vandalism are also common.  "The Police chief said he had no reason to believe criminal charges would be filed in the Churna shooting."  I hope Council has the strength to rise above politics and shepherd our city safety funds objectively.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 5/20/2021