Laid-Off Police Recruits Remain Hopeful

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Twenty-seven men and women who wanted to serve the city of Columbus as police officers fell victim to the city’s recent budget cuts but were still hopeful for jobs.

NBC 4’s Patrick Preston reported with BOTH SIDES of the story.

Columbus police recruits told Preston that they were staying optimistic that they will get back to work.

“We want to be Columbus police officers,“ CPD recruit Tim Myers said. “We could have worked anywhere else in the state.“

The question is: how will the city pay for it?

The local Fraternal Order of Police made a proposal to Mayor Coleman last week, offering to defer some police compensation until a later date in order to help make up the difference.

Local FOP president Jim Gilbert told Preston that they were waiting for a response from Coleman.

A spokesperson for the mayor said the city would not discuss negotiations with the media, Preston reported.

“I’m feeling positive with the fact that the parties are still discussing that,“ Columbus City Council President Mike Mentel told NBC 4. “The mayor is optimistic in his discussions,“ Mentel said. 

Though the city’s unstable budget may influence the negotiations, at least one councilmember believed the decision could ultimately go to the voters.

“Residents are either going to have to look at some kind of revenue increase, some form of tax, some form of fee increase, or they’re going to have to look at reducing services,“ council member Charleta Tavares said.

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