BEECH GROVE — Beech Grove Mayor Dennis B. Buckley recently issued a statement outlining city plans to improve public safety for residents. He noted that the City-County Council recently passed an increase in the Local Option Income Tax (LOIT) to fund public safety initiatives in Indianapolis as well as in Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport and Speedway. As of Jan. 1, 2015, these municipalities will begin receiving larger monthly revenues, which will be applied directly to public safety.
The City will begin the process of purchasing another fire engine and ambulance by the end of 2015. They City will also invest about $100,000 in new computers for police vehicles and will lease-purchase four new cruisers next year. The Mayor also outlined plans to improve safety for employees in the lobby of City Hall.
Most significant are the plans to hire two new police officers in late 2015 — one as a replacement for a retiring officer. The move marks the first of three additional officers slated for hiring through 2017. The City also plans to hire an additional firefighter, plus another DPW employee and a police station employee to cover the front lobby from 4 p.m. to midnight, in 2016.
Mayor Buckley also announced plans to find funding for replacement safety gear for firefighters, paramedics, and police officers by mid-2016. He also stated that city employees would receive a two percent cost-of-living increase — the first in six years.
In his statement, Mayor Buckley reiterated his support for an independent Beech Grove Fire Department and Beech Grove Police Department. He also remains committed to having trash pickups in Beech Grove remain with their Department of Public Works.