BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Budget transfers that City Council unanimously approved Tuesday will add five police cars to the city fleet and cover overtime for both fire department and EMS Bureau staff.
“These transfers and adjustments were based on savings from staff vacancies, insurance reimbursement and savings within the department,” Bethlehem City Councilwoman and Finance Committee Chairwoman Grace Crampsie Smith said of the overages.
"I hope that that does help with the recruiting numbers because they see the investment within public safety, and they know they’re valued and appreciated.”Bethlehem City Councilwoman Rachel Leon, on the city's investment in its public safety assets
Regarding the fire and EMS overtime expenses, those total $718,000 ($670,000 and $48,000, respectively), to be paid out using savings from the salaries and equipment accounts from both departments, as well as the EMS temporary help account.
Even a public safety radio upgrade ended up costing less than expected, contributing to the savings, according to city documents.
Police salary savings from 2024 in the amount of $189,000 will be used to buy three vehicles for the department.
Expanding the fleet, ranks
An additional $30,000 saved from department contracts and more than $64,000 in insurance revenue from on-the-job, police-involved crashes will be paired to cover buying two new detective vehicles.
Police Chief Michelle Kott said the new cars would replace two pushing 20 years old.
“I hope that that does help with the recruiting numbers because they see the investment within public safety, and they know they’re valued and appreciated.”Councilwoman Rachel Leon
The city’s proposed budget for 2025 already accounts for the separate purchase of five police cars for its fleet.
“There's been an effort to really update all of public safety, and I appreciate that,” Councilwoman Rachel Leon said.
“I hope that that does help with the recruiting numbers because they see the investment within public safety, and they know they’re valued and appreciated.”
At a budget hearing last week, Kott said her department — which, at capacity, would have 154 officers — currently has 136 available for duty.
The department has 10 vacancies and three retirements incoming, she said.
Over the past year, BPD has hired three new police officers. Kott said one is graduating from the academy next month, and another is being hired at that time.
Officials have said vacancies within the fire force have been higher than average compared with the past 10-15 years.
