Security costs strain city, state budgets

By JILL BRISKEY
Mail Tribune

All the extra airport patrols, security cameras and X-ray machines put in place since Sept. 11 may have eased security fears, but they're taking a huge bite out of city and county budgets.

Jackson County has been no exception to the rule. According to Medford airport director Bern Case, approximately $100,000 has been pulled from an emergency contingency fund to increase security at the airport.

"That number is going up and up all the time," Case said. "It's getting expensive."

Governments across the country have racked up millions of dollars in unbudgeted expenses, and analysts say the final price tag could top several billion dollars.

In California alone, the bill could top $500 million by the end of next year. In Michigan, local governments determined they would need $73 million in equipment and training just to meet preparedness goals.

Congress has earmarked billions of dollars in aid for New York, Washington and hard-hit airlines, but little so far has been targeted for local governments.

Case said the contingency funding has been used mainly to pay for additional security guards. The guards are working under a contract, Case said, and are not county employees.

The hired personnel are still needed at the airport despite the addition of armed National Guardsmen, Case added.

The soldiers work in shifts that overlap during peak airport hours. Between one and two guardsmen work during each shift, but Case said he would like to see more security guards in place.

"We need people out there, that's a fact," Case said.

In Medford, City Manager Mike Dyal said a lot of planning and discussion have taken place since the attacks but added that the city is still within budget.

"By and large, I'm not aware, to date, there has been any noticeable changes," Dyal said. "We're doing a lot of stuff but we're still within budget."

Police agencies are feeling the crunch in personnel instead of budgetary problems. Two sheriff's deputies, two Ashland and three Medford police officers have been called up for active duty in the Oregon Air National Guard.

Medford police Chief Eric Mellgren said the police department hasn't gone over-budget. However, he said officers are dealing with an increase in their workload as reports of suspicious mail pour in.

"We've bought some more protective equipment," Mellgren said. "But our costs have been minimal."

Many local governments also are being stung by the loss of millions in sales and hotel taxes because tourists are staying home.

"Local governments can cut back and raise taxes. But for some local governments, they are going to have to find some new ways to raise revenue to pay for this," said economist Steve Cochrane, who tracks state and local finances for Economy.com on the Web.

A coalition that includes the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities and the International City-County Management Association has proposed a federal stimulus package that includes spending for local public works projects.

"Police and firefighters will be at the head of the line for federal support," Cochrane said. "But beyond that, it's going to be up to local governments to get through it."

Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail jbriskey@mailtribune.com.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us
Copyright © 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.