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A Missouri judge ruled Tuesday that Kansas City Council violated state law by approving plans to reallocate millions of dollars from the city’s police department.
KMBC reported that Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas (D) and city council sought to cut the Kansas City Police Department’s budget earlier this year by $ 42.3 million. After city council approved measures to cut the budget, the Kansas City Police Board filed a lawsuit in May to overturn those orders.
Money taken from the police budget was intended to be reallocated to community programs aimed at preventing crime and expanding community awareness.
A Jackson County judge ruled that by approving the measures, city council exceeded its authority and violated state laws, according to KMBC. The judge ordered that the funds that had been reallocated be reallocated to the police budget.
Following the ruling, Lucas said, “The ruling announced by the court today paved the way for the city to require the Kansas City Police Department to engage in discussions related to crime prevention. throughout future budget cycles, if the service seeks to receive funds. over 20 percent of the city’s general fund revenues.
The Missouri Police Department and Office of Attorney General Eric Schmitt (right) both celebrated the decision, KMBC reported.
“The police department is putting a lot of effort into this process, as is the city. This budget process directly affects not only the police department and the city, but members of our community. We appreciate that the court has recognized the validity of the 2020- 2021 budget process, ”the ministry said.
In a statement to KMBC, Schmitt said: “Today, a Jackson County judge sided with the Kansas City Police Commissioners Board and Attorney General’s Office and quashed Kansas’ illegal attempt. City to fund the police. This is a huge victory for the people of Kansas City and the law enforcement officers who work every day to keep their communities safe. “
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