Police, Fire To Ask Council For Budget Increases

Palm Desert’s Public Safety Commission recommended Tuesday that the City Council approve slight budget increases for the city’s fire and police services.

In separate 5-0 votes, commissioners approved a $16.6 million budget for the Palm Desert Police Department – up 3 percent from last year -- and $9.7 million for the Riverside County Fire Department, which contracts with the city. The fire department’s proposed budget is up 3.9 percent from the 2010-11 fiscal year.

“I think we run a very lean, efficient operation so any cut is going to make an impact,’’ said Capt. Dan Wilham of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, which partners with the city for its policing services.

The police department’s projected costs are up more than $316,800 because of an anticipated increase in fuel costs and additional funds needed to run the newly constructed Palm Desert Station, Lt. Andrew Shouse said.

The station, located in north Palm Desert, is 250 percent bigger than the old station and may cost up to $405,000 to operate. The old substation on Fred Waring Drive only cost $240,000 to run, according Shouse.

The City Council will consider the budgets sometime in April.