Mayor Gloria walks back some police cuts in latest budget proposal

Between the lines: Even before Gloria reversed part of a plan to consolidate SDPD's northwest division and eliminate two vice detectives, the deparment's budget was due to increase next year.

• That's because the proposed cuts were smaller than scheduled cost increases, including from wages through the police union's contract.
• Community members around Carmel Valley advocated to keep the northwest police station open, rather than officers operating from the north and northeast divisions.

Friction point: Council Member Sean Elo-Rivera, said in a statement Wednesday, that Gloria is proposing "irresponsible and cruel" budget cuts that harm vulnerable residents rather than requiring "wealthy corporations and tourists" to pay their share.

• He said the city's communications department and a new roof at an animal services building should instead be cut.

What's next: The new fiscal year begins in July, leaving the city council to adopt a budget as early as a scheduled June 10 hearing.

• The council, working with the city's independent budget analyst, can reprioritize the budget from Gloria's proposal.
• The mayor, though, can veto council budget decisions, but a council supermajority can override it.