TL;DR (generated · confidence: high)

Package 23,773 proposes a 5% general fund reduction ($1.2M) to the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), which serves all of Multnomah County. The reduction is not recommended. To meet targets, BOEC would eliminate night-time security ($263K), reduce training and education ($293K), cut supervisor and operational overtime ($111K and $612K respectively), and eliminate 3 vacant Call Taker FTE ($330K). Staff improvements from 2023–2024 (Sr Dispatcher increase from 65 to 76) decreased call wait times from 52 to 42 seconds, but further cuts risk reversing gains and compromising emergency response.

Key points (each cites a PDF page):

5% general fund reduction of $1.2M proposed; combined with 8% reduction ($1.93M) results in total $2.5M reduction including partner agency cost share impact. (p. 1077)
Sr Dispatcher category staffing increased from 65 to 76 (2023–2024); average call wait times improved from 52 seconds to 42 seconds over same period. (p. 1077)
Elimination of night-time security ($263K) would remove proven protection against trespassing, burglaries, and property damage at bureau facility. (p. 1077)
Reduction to training and education budget of $293K would eliminate overtime hours for required certification-specific training and staff development. (p. 1077)
Reduction of supervisor overtime ($111K) would force Sr Dispatchers to leave 911 call answering to backfill supervisor leave, directly impacting call handling. (p. 1077)
Reduction of operational overtime ($612K) cuts 8,000 hours annually, constraining ability to staff 911 lines during employee leave and support tactical missions. (p. 1077)
Elimination of 3 currently vacant Call Taker FTE ($330K) would remove 4,700 annual hours and prevent bureau from staying ahead of attrition. (p. 1077)
Status: Not Recommended. Package explicitly states reduction cannot be met without staff elimination, contrary to bureau's priority of maintaining staffing. (p. 1077)

💰 $1.2M · $1.93M · $2.5M · $263K · $293K · $111K · $612K · $330K · 👥 3 Call Taker FTE · 📋 Bureau of Emergency Communications · BOEC · 911 call answering · Sr Dispatcher category · 🏛️ Bureau of Emergency Communications

23,773

Source: PDF pp. 1077-1078 · raw: 1077 · 1078

Breadcrumb: 5 ps › Pub-SAFETY-DPs › Package Details › 23,773

23,773 - BOEC 5% Reduction Service Area Public Safety DCA Mike Myers Bureau Name Bureau of Emergency Communications Director Bob Cozzie Funding Type Name Reduction Status: Not Recommended Package Desc Expense Recommended Total The Bureau of Emergency Communications serves all of Multnomah County and has a mixture of External Materials and Services $0 revenue sources, the 5% ($1.2M) and 8% ($1.93M) general fund reductions result in an additional Personnel $0 reduction of local cost share from partner agencies. This increases the total 8% reduction to $2.5M. To meet the reduction request, the bureau prioritized maintaining staffing and first identified areas to $0 reduce expenses in non-core services, however the total reduction could not be met without the elimination of staff. Revenue Recommended Total As staffing improved from 2023 to 2024 with an increase in the average Sr Dispatcher category from 65 to 76, average call wait times decreased from 52 seconds to 42 seconds. Fund Transfers - Revenue $0 Intergovernmental $0 BOEC is on the verge of filling all vacant positions, and the staffing model indicates that the current authorized staff is not adequate to meet national standards in call answering times. A reduction in $0 staff will have a direct impact on the bureau’s ability to improve call answering times. Service Impacts • Elimination of night-time security ($263K): The building had several instances of trespassing, burglaries, and property damage at night creating an unsafe environment for staff. The security has proven effective for minimizing the vulnerability of critical City infrastructure. • Reduction to training & education ($293K): Ongoing education is an important part of staff improvement and certification. This reduction would eliminate some overtime hours allotted to required certification-specific training and other opportunities for staff development. • Reduction of Supervisor OT ($111K): The elimination of supervisor OT would require Sr Dispatchers to be removed from answering 911 calls to backfill when supervisors are on leave, which would have an impact on 911 call answering times. • Reduction of operational OT ($612K): The reduction of 8,000 hours of operational overtime would hinder the bureau’s ability to adequately staff 911 lines when employees are on leave. The reduction would have an immediate impact on 911 call answering times. In addition, the bureau relies on operational overtime to support police or fire tactical missions as well as hire staff to assist with fast- track certification training for trainees. • Elimination of 3 Call Taker FTE ($330K): These three positions are currently vacant but would result in the future elimination of 4,700 hours worked annually. Eliminating positions results in the bureau’s inability to stay ahead of attrition and would result in long-term increases in 911 call answering times. Equity Impacts These proposed budget cuts will have significant repercussions on Portland's most vulnerable communities. Cuts to public safety staffing and resources risk exacerbating response times and existing staffing shortages, which take years to overcome, and increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes in emergencies, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. These cuts not only compromise the ability to achieve strategic goals such as improving response capabilities and strengthening prevention and recovery efforts, but they also hinder progress toward equitable outcomes and community resilience. The city must carefully weigh these consequences to ensure public safety remains a priority for all Portlanders.

Parent: Package Details · PDF: pp. 1077-1078