Residents urge Alma council to keep police staffing and maintain city administration

Multiple public commenters at the June 16 Alma City Council meeting urged the council to retain current police staffing levels and avoid abrupt cuts to city administration.

Ronnie Smull (Speaker 5) described family ties to the area and argued against reductions in law enforcement: “Defunding or dismantling the police force here is going back in time.” He also urged the council to prioritize paving Main Street and complimented the prison manager and staff for their work. Michael Glenn (Speaker 7) thanked the council for assisting with a family headstone and said he hoped there would be no changes to the administration, noting a positive working relationship with current staff.

Council members discussed the fiscal context: one councilor (Speaker 6) referenced past staffing and pay decisions and urged focusing on road repairs, while another (Speaker 10) said the city’s finances could support current positions and cautioned against reactionary cuts. The mayor (Speaker 1) asked the council to think long term and consider grant opportunities before making personnel changes.

Outcome: The council debated an ordinance to amend the budget for reductions in the city administration department but took no ordinance action at the meeting.