COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For weeks, officials have been talking about potential cuts to the Columbus Division of Police.
Tuesday, the division will outline detail on what could be lost if the income tax increase does not pass in August.
The city cut $13 million already in 2009 and now it looks like it will have to slash an additional $16 million.
The city is asking for a .5 percent income tax increase on the August ballot in hopes of bringing in $100 million in revenue.
If the increase fails, Mayor Michael Coleman has said that police and fire jobs are on the line.
Community leaders said they can't afford to lose any more safety programs.
George Walker Jr., a commissioner in the south Linden area said crime has decreased in the community in the past few years thanks to the Columbus police presence. He said he fears drastic cuts could have negative, dramatic effects on the neighborhood.
Justin Boggs, a Greater Hilltop Area Commissioner, said he would hate to see the helicopter unit and Strategic Response Bureau reduced.
Community leaders said they are hoping for the best, but said they will strengthen their blockwatch and other programs to help fight crime if there are drastic reductions to the division of police.
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