Ald. Keith Furman, District 19, did not assistance the amendment, saying it “sends the mistaken message” to be using individuals without an determined career. On the other hand, Ald. Rebecca Kemble, District 18, pointed to the unprecedented pandemic situation and the opportunity for redeployment to other agencies.  

Law enforcement officers 

A proposal that would increase Madison Police Department positions failed on a 4-2 vote. The modification, sponsored by City Council President Sheri Carter and Ald. Zachary Henak, District 10, would use $230,528 in federal grant income and $117,052 in metropolis income in 2021 to add four law enforcement officer positions. It would also reclassify 1 officer as a sergeant.  

The grant funding decreases in excess of 3 decades, indicating the town would include the total expense of the officers— $390,423 —  beginning in 2024. 

Ald. Barbara Harrington-McKinney, District 1, who voted in favor alongside with Carter, acknowledged the community’s wish to reimagine policing but explained a favourable law enforcement presence is wanted downtown. Also, she pointed out that with additional staff downtown, many others would be greater able to reply to calls through the city. 

“I definitely get that we should really be investing far more in neighborhood companies,” she mentioned. “I guidance that, but I unquestionably know that it’s not going to happen right away.”