Stillwater Residents Protest City Council's Plan To Layoff Police Officers

Rusty Surette, News 9

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- Stillwater Police officers said they're being targeted by city leaders, but on Monday, they received backup from the people they protect. Money is tight in Stillwater and budgets are taking a hit. The Stillwater City Council is targeting the police department to save money, and council members said there's a reason why.

Protestors gathered outside city hall to support Stillwater's finest Monday evening.

"They do a fantastic job in our community, and I'm taking a stand for them," said Tawni Hooten, supporting Stillwater Police.

Emotions ran high at Monday evening's city council meeting. An overflow crowd of concerned citizens said they're upset with the city's plans to fire two of its police officers due to budget cuts.

"Crime is increasing in Stillwater and to lay off officers is totally the wrong message to send to citizens," said Jim Moore, Stillwater Police Union Attorney.

The city said it's targeting the police department because its labor union was the only union that refused to pay more for its health insurance premiums. Stillwater City Manager Dan Galloway said the officers were warned this may happen if they didn't bite the bullet like everyone else.

But police said it's more than that.

"We believe this is vindictive and punishment for us taking them to arbitration," said Todd Parry, Stillwater Fraternal Order of Police

Officers said the city could and should cut corners elsewhere and leave public safety alone. Those feelings were echoed by Stillwater taxpayers.

"The layoffs are uprooting Stillwater residents. Now what does this say about the city council and the status quo?" said Vera Long, Stillwater Resident. "Because with the swipe of a pen, Stillwater can be in a very dangerous situation."

No final decisions were made at Monday's meeting.

Galloway hinted that if the police union changed its mind and agreed to pay those higher insurance premiums like everyone, they may be able to save those jobs. He also said Stillwater's budget is $13 million less than what it was three years ago.