Portlanders voice their concerns over police funding, rideshare fees amid city budget talks

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The countdown is on when it comes to local budget cuts.

Portland City Council heard from the public Tuesday on a number of amendments, including reserving funds to prevent cuts to parks in lieu of a proposed increase in police funding. Portland City Councilors will continue discussing their budget plan on Wednesday.

The City of Portland is facing a historic budget

shortfall of $93 million. Last month, city councilors voted to transfer $1.9 million dollars from the Portland Police Bureau to the Parks and Recreation.

“This seems like an overfunded police department. It seems inefficient and it seems like we can take care of our neighbors, like Portland Street response, would be better served to do this kind of work,” said Portland Democratic Socialists of America Benjamin Gilbert. 

During last month’s session, Portland Police Chief Bob Day said that he expects grave consequences if they lose that money. In response to the vote, Mayor Keith Wilson drew up an amendment reversing the vote.

“Reducing the police budget now risks driving away more businesses, more residents and more taxpayers. We will remember who stood before the public safety and who voted to erode it,” said community member Brian R. 

Dozens of people showed up at Tuesday’s meeting, voicing their opinions. 

“Safety shouldn’t be compromised. But currently it is. Look around us as businesses are failing, even Big Pink is up for sale. How much more damage has to occur before our city starts prioritizing people’s lives?” said Business Owner Loretta Guzman. 

“Don’t give the police more than they need and more than they asked for. When I look at Los Angeles right now, I see what an overfunded police department looks like” said Gilbert.

Another hot topic, an amendment to increase rideshare customer fees from 65 cents to $2 per ride, which would generate $10 million for the Portland Bureau of Transportation

Rideshare drivers said raising the fee would hurt the workers.  

“This TNC [Transportation Network Companies] was adopted without considering the negative impacts to our already struggling driver community,” said Nathaniel Hudson-Hartman, an organizer with Drivers Union Oregon. 

The meeting ended at 6 p.m and will pick back up tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. The final vote on the budget is June 18.