Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
June Academy Class Canceled
Roughly 1.5 million dollars in cuts and counting. Long ways to reach 4.7 million.
Click here for more
Click here for more
DeKalb Grounds Police Helicopter's Patrols
By Megan Matteucci
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DeKalb County residents will no longer see a police helicopter patrolling overhead.
DeKalb's police helicopter was grounded to meet a $4.7 million budget cut, according to a memo obtained by the AJC.
Johnny Crawford, jcrawford@ajc.com DeKalb's police helicopter was grounded to meet a $4.7 million budget cut, according to a memo obtained by the AJC.
DeKalb Chief William O’Brien grounded the helicopter to meet a $4.7 million budget cut, according to a memo obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“Effective immediately, helicopter response to calls for service is very limited. Aerial Support is suspending all helicopter activities, operations and call-outs,” Assistant Chief Lisa A. Gassner wrote to staff on Thursday.
The helicopter will only be used for critical public safety emergencies, such as floods and officer-involved shootings, police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said. The officers assigned to the flight unit have been given other duties within the Special Operations division, Parish said.
Parish said the fuel, maintenance and other expenses associated with the helicopter are too costly during the current budget crunch. On Tuesday, the County Commission rejected a proposed property tax increase and voted to cut $33.6 million from the 2011 budget.
90 Is Grounded, For The Most Part
In light of the budget cuts, Aerial Support is suspending all helicopter activities, operations and call-outs, except for extremely high priority calls; for example, life risk to officers (officer involved shootings) and extremely critical public safety incidents.
So really, what is the point? If our pilots are not flying except for extremely critical incidents, what will they be doing? Instead of just setting around and waiting, twiddling their thumbs, they can be humping calls until that "extremely critical incident" happens.
Come on, are we really saving any money by grounding the helicopters, while at the same time paying the pilots just to sit around? Where is the common sense?
So our budget has to be cut. But do it in a rational, sensible way.
So really, what is the point? If our pilots are not flying except for extremely critical incidents, what will they be doing? Instead of just setting around and waiting, twiddling their thumbs, they can be humping calls until that "extremely critical incident" happens.
Come on, are we really saving any money by grounding the helicopters, while at the same time paying the pilots just to sit around? Where is the common sense?
So our budget has to be cut. But do it in a rational, sensible way.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Burrell Loses Big, Do We?
Burrell Ellis lost big today. Maybe now he will realize people are tired of being taxed to death. But deep down, we know he'll continue the blame game, wanting the sympathy of being a victim.
His screams of "the sky is falling" without tax increases finally fell on deaf ears. Even his staged performance of all of the ON DUTY public safety personal couldn't save him or Wiz Miller. Staged you ask? Sure it was. Why only now did all these people decide to appear at a budget meeting? Where has Assistant Chief Yarbrough, Major Conroy, Assistant Chief Woodard, Major Higdon, Captain Moore, Lt. Williams, Captain Jones and Captain Cohorst to name a few, been? You think you can come in at the bottom of the 9th with two outs and win the game? Do you know how silly and pathetic you looked today? Too little too late.
How this will effect us, the police, is yet to be seen. Things are no different today then they were yesterday and they'll be no different tomorrow.
One thing the chief needs to do now, especially now that Wiz is out of the way, is address the rumor of the evaporation of our vacation and sick leave. He needs to address this head on. Like most rumors around here, they usually turn out to be true.
This saga is ever developing.
His screams of "the sky is falling" without tax increases finally fell on deaf ears. Even his staged performance of all of the ON DUTY public safety personal couldn't save him or Wiz Miller. Staged you ask? Sure it was. Why only now did all these people decide to appear at a budget meeting? Where has Assistant Chief Yarbrough, Major Conroy, Assistant Chief Woodard, Major Higdon, Captain Moore, Lt. Williams, Captain Jones and Captain Cohorst to name a few, been? You think you can come in at the bottom of the 9th with two outs and win the game? Do you know how silly and pathetic you looked today? Too little too late.
How this will effect us, the police, is yet to be seen. Things are no different today then they were yesterday and they'll be no different tomorrow.
One thing the chief needs to do now, especially now that Wiz is out of the way, is address the rumor of the evaporation of our vacation and sick leave. He needs to address this head on. Like most rumors around here, they usually turn out to be true.
This saga is ever developing.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Burrell Now Claims He's A Victim
By Megan Matteucci
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis says $33.6 million in proposed budget cuts are politically motivated to hurt him.
The County Commission is scheduled to approve a $530 million budget on Tuesday that includes massive cuts. Ellis had proposed raising property taxes.
“This is irresponsibly political. This was not done with the citizens at heart,” Ellis told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We’re going to have to have cuts in staff – either layoffs or furloughs. It’s going shut down government services.”
County commissioners said the cuts were not political, but aimed at reducing spending and eliminating a tax increase. Commissioners said they anticipate the cuts can be made without large staff reductions.
DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis says $33.6 million in proposed budget cuts are politically motivated to hurt him.
The County Commission is scheduled to approve a $530 million budget on Tuesday that includes massive cuts. Ellis had proposed raising property taxes.
“This is irresponsibly political. This was not done with the citizens at heart,” Ellis told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We’re going to have to have cuts in staff – either layoffs or furloughs. It’s going shut down government services.”
County commissioners said the cuts were not political, but aimed at reducing spending and eliminating a tax increase. Commissioners said they anticipate the cuts can be made without large staff reductions.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Does Burrell Really Believe What He Says?
The commissioners, who have never been accused of being very smart people, have taken a common sense approach to the 2011 budget. STOP THE TAX AND SPENDING!
Burrell's response? "Realistically, you can't completely cut your way out of this crisis." He continues on "without that (a tax increase), you will see our services severely impacted and our quality of life diminished."
Sound familiar? Hey Burrell, we feel your pain and have over the past 5 years. But here is how we say it: "I know children, but daddy just can't afford it right now. I haven't had a raise, the cost of my benefits have gone up, food prices are going up, gas prices are through the roof, and mommy no longer has job." Please understand, maybe you can play your sport next year. Maybe we can take a vacation next year". "Yes, I did get promoted, but now I'm not getting the raise I thought I was."
But one thing different from us and you Burrell? We can't legally stick a gun to the taxpayers head and demand more money like you can. We make due with less money and so should you and the rest of the departments.
Kind of sucks to be a DeKalb paramedic right now. But we do favor the elimination of the Director of Public Safety position.
Burrell's response? "Realistically, you can't completely cut your way out of this crisis." He continues on "without that (a tax increase), you will see our services severely impacted and our quality of life diminished."
Sound familiar? Hey Burrell, we feel your pain and have over the past 5 years. But here is how we say it: "I know children, but daddy just can't afford it right now. I haven't had a raise, the cost of my benefits have gone up, food prices are going up, gas prices are through the roof, and mommy no longer has job." Please understand, maybe you can play your sport next year. Maybe we can take a vacation next year". "Yes, I did get promoted, but now I'm not getting the raise I thought I was."
But one thing different from us and you Burrell? We can't legally stick a gun to the taxpayers head and demand more money like you can. We make due with less money and so should you and the rest of the departments.
Kind of sucks to be a DeKalb paramedic right now. But we do favor the elimination of the Director of Public Safety position.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Emergency Budget Committee Meeting
The budget committee has called for an emergency meeting today. It appears they have developed a budget with no tax increase that calls for layoffs and cuts in service. Of course Burrell is in panic mood. He only believes in tax increases and more spending.
Maybe he should sit down with us over our household budget and see how to make ends meet with cuts in funds and no pay increase.
This will be very interesting. As soon as the details are available, we'll pass them along.
Maybe he should sit down with us over our household budget and see how to make ends meet with cuts in funds and no pay increase.
This will be very interesting. As soon as the details are available, we'll pass them along.
Losing Faith - Dunwoody City Council On Verge of 911 Decision
The City of Dunwoody is set to pull out of our E911 system to join up with ChatComm, a private E911 system that serves Sandy Springs and Johns Creek.
Even-though it will cost more money, Dunwoody believes "you get what you pay for".
Police Chief Billy Grogan said: “I don’t know if I have the confidence that DeKalb will be able to deliver on their promises,”. Welcome to our nightmare Chief Grogan.
Click here for the Dunwoody Patch blog.
Even-though it will cost more money, Dunwoody believes "you get what you pay for".
Police Chief Billy Grogan said: “I don’t know if I have the confidence that DeKalb will be able to deliver on their promises,”. Welcome to our nightmare Chief Grogan.
Click here for the Dunwoody Patch blog.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Larry Johnson Seeks Wiz Miller's Termination
We told you this should get fun!
WSB TV Channel 2 is reporting Commissioner Johnson is demanding Wiz Miller be terminated for improper comments about elected officials. Just yesterday Wiz told the AJC he “could care less” about concerns Johnson expressed regarding Miller’s office.
What will Burrell do? In just a few days, the commissioners will vote on the final county budget. Burrell needs every vote he can muster to pass his budget proposal. But on the other hand, the commissioners have banded together and will introduce their on budget. (More on this to come).
What a track record DeKalb County is making for itself. First, Louis Graham was forced out because of his racist tactics. Then acting Chief Marinelli was replaced by the corrupt Terrell Botlon who was terminated. Now we have Wiz Miller with his total disrespect for elected officials just as TeBo.
Save us all the trouble Wiz; resign. Don't put us through another Tebo episode.
Memo To Burrell
Page 2
Will the madness continue?
WSB TV Channel 2 is reporting Commissioner Johnson is demanding Wiz Miller be terminated for improper comments about elected officials. Just yesterday Wiz told the AJC he “could care less” about concerns Johnson expressed regarding Miller’s office.
What will Burrell do? In just a few days, the commissioners will vote on the final county budget. Burrell needs every vote he can muster to pass his budget proposal. But on the other hand, the commissioners have banded together and will introduce their on budget. (More on this to come).
What a track record DeKalb County is making for itself. First, Louis Graham was forced out because of his racist tactics. Then acting Chief Marinelli was replaced by the corrupt Terrell Botlon who was terminated. Now we have Wiz Miller with his total disrespect for elected officials just as TeBo.
Save us all the trouble Wiz; resign. Don't put us through another Tebo episode.
Memo To Burrell
Page 2
Will the madness continue?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Where Have We Heard This Before?
The heat is on Wiz Miller by the commissioners, in particular by Larry Johnson. It looks like the wasteful position of Public Safety Director and the waste of taxpayer money has finally been exposed.
Wiz's response to the criticism of his lack luster job performance is “I could care less about his [Johnson’s] comments." Hmmm....smells of insubordination, circa Terrell Bolton
This should get fun!
On the other hand, D.A. Robert James and Sheriff Tom Brown have resorted to scare tactics hoping that taxes will be raised. They say nothing about cuts, either in their departments or others, just that if taxes aren't raised, the the boogie man will get you!
Click here for more.
Wiz's response to the criticism of his lack luster job performance is “I could care less about his [Johnson’s] comments." Hmmm....smells of insubordination, circa Terrell Bolton
This should get fun!
On the other hand, D.A. Robert James and Sheriff Tom Brown have resorted to scare tactics hoping that taxes will be raised. They say nothing about cuts, either in their departments or others, just that if taxes aren't raised, the the boogie man will get you!
Click here for more.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Director Wiz Miller Fails To Follow Orders - Should Resign
When Wiz Miller was appointed public safety director 2 years ago, he was ordered to reduce his staff and put more officers on the street. He has done the exact opposite.
In addition, he failed to consolidate police and fire administrative offices, including fleet management, supply, recruiting, professional standards and budgeting as ordered.
Seems Wiz is suffering from Terrell Bolton Syndrome: "Can't be touched".
To this point, Director Miller has been pretty much useless, only taking up space and sucking up taxpayer dollars. The best we can tell, his job is master coffee getter for Burrell and security organizer/scheduler for the contingent of police officers guarding Burrell and his ivory tower at 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
He should do us and the county a favor and resign before he gets run off.
Will Burrell react as quickly as he did with Terrell? NOT! Meet the new boss, same as the boss.
The madness continues
Click here for more.
In addition, he failed to consolidate police and fire administrative offices, including fleet management, supply, recruiting, professional standards and budgeting as ordered.
Seems Wiz is suffering from Terrell Bolton Syndrome: "Can't be touched".
To this point, Director Miller has been pretty much useless, only taking up space and sucking up taxpayer dollars. The best we can tell, his job is master coffee getter for Burrell and security organizer/scheduler for the contingent of police officers guarding Burrell and his ivory tower at 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
He should do us and the county a favor and resign before he gets run off.
Will Burrell react as quickly as he did with Terrell? NOT! Meet the new boss, same as the boss.
The madness continues
Click here for more.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
News From The Pumps....
Last week ALL department heads within the county were summoned to a meeting in Decatur to brainstorm various ways to cut their budgets.
The most prevalent idea to come out of the meeting is to revamp the vacation/sick day accruing system, wiping the slate clean of our hard earned, saved vacation and sick time.
What would that mean to you? Well, if you use every vacation and sick day as soon as you get it, nothing. But if you are a dedicated hard worker who rarely takes vacation or sick days, it means you lose all those days you have saved over the years for emergency's and retirement.
The current system or benefit, most likely will be replaced with a "use it or lose it,” type system. The county will give you only a set number of days per year for vacation and sick time. If you use them, great. If you don't, then you lose them at the end of the year.
If and when this is enacted, will Burrell do so with an executive order under the cover of darkness, standing behind his henchman Richard Stogner? Or will he come forward and announce it publicly at one of his "feel good" budget hearings?
The most prevalent idea to come out of the meeting is to revamp the vacation/sick day accruing system, wiping the slate clean of our hard earned, saved vacation and sick time.
What would that mean to you? Well, if you use every vacation and sick day as soon as you get it, nothing. But if you are a dedicated hard worker who rarely takes vacation or sick days, it means you lose all those days you have saved over the years for emergency's and retirement.
The current system or benefit, most likely will be replaced with a "use it or lose it,” type system. The county will give you only a set number of days per year for vacation and sick time. If you use them, great. If you don't, then you lose them at the end of the year.
If and when this is enacted, will Burrell do so with an executive order under the cover of darkness, standing behind his henchman Richard Stogner? Or will he come forward and announce it publicly at one of his "feel good" budget hearings?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Do You Feel The Love?
Richard Stogner, meaning Burrell Ellis, hate the police! There's no other way to describe their contempt for us.
To rehash: We made it to work during the resent winter storm. Others chose to stay home. Burrell Ellis finds nothing wrong with paying the people who stayed home a full days pay.
How in the hell does this make any sense? The county is broke. In an attempt to make the financial ends meet, we were forced to work holidays without pay, and then furloughed.
With the county facing a 50 million dollar deficit, Burrell Ellis decides to pay people for staying home! How many millions of dollars did that cost the taxpayers? Why wasn't that tough question asked?
Find us one private company that paid their people for staying home during the winter storm.
Is this the reason for the elimination of the promotional raises, to help of set the cost of paying folks to stay at home?
Speaking of ticket furloughs, we didn't get started last year until late September. Imagine what a year long furlough would cost this county. You want to play these silly games Burrell, then we'll play!
A word to our brothers and sisters in uniform. The county is nearing the end of its budget process. If you are feeling the need for another ticket furlough, hold off until the budget is passed. Keep the bastards guessing! Once the budget is passed, it's hammer down time! But beware! We will be threatened by the brass and the commissioners alike. Be prepared for furlough days. Be prepared to have the brass to make your life miserable. But we have to be strong.
We are not going to take it anymore!
To rehash: We made it to work during the resent winter storm. Others chose to stay home. Burrell Ellis finds nothing wrong with paying the people who stayed home a full days pay.
How in the hell does this make any sense? The county is broke. In an attempt to make the financial ends meet, we were forced to work holidays without pay, and then furloughed.
With the county facing a 50 million dollar deficit, Burrell Ellis decides to pay people for staying home! How many millions of dollars did that cost the taxpayers? Why wasn't that tough question asked?
Find us one private company that paid their people for staying home during the winter storm.
Is this the reason for the elimination of the promotional raises, to help of set the cost of paying folks to stay at home?
Speaking of ticket furloughs, we didn't get started last year until late September. Imagine what a year long furlough would cost this county. You want to play these silly games Burrell, then we'll play!
A word to our brothers and sisters in uniform. The county is nearing the end of its budget process. If you are feeling the need for another ticket furlough, hold off until the budget is passed. Keep the bastards guessing! Once the budget is passed, it's hammer down time! But beware! We will be threatened by the brass and the commissioners alike. Be prepared for furlough days. Be prepared to have the brass to make your life miserable. But we have to be strong.
We are not going to take it anymore!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Jeff Wiggs, President of F.O.P. Tells Commissioners We Want To Get Paid!
Good for Jeff Wiggs! He told the commissioners we, the ones who fulfilled our duty, deserve to get paid for the winter storm days.
Jeff told the commissioners "If your office was open and you are not able to get into work, you still get paid. What’s the advantage of coming to work? My counter-part got paid for sitting home with his family," Wiggs told commissioners. "I ask you to rescind this or at least give my officers comp time so they can take a day off.”
We hope it works, but we know the mentality of the commissioners.
Click here for more
Jeff told the commissioners "If your office was open and you are not able to get into work, you still get paid. What’s the advantage of coming to work? My counter-part got paid for sitting home with his family," Wiggs told commissioners. "I ask you to rescind this or at least give my officers comp time so they can take a day off.”
We hope it works, but we know the mentality of the commissioners.
Click here for more
Initial Promotional Raises Eliminated
Burrell (cowardly hiding behind Richard Stogner) has ended all promotional probational pay increases. Meaning; if you are promoted to MPO or higher, you no longer get a 5% pay increase at the end of your successful probational period (6 months).
Who loves you baby!
Click here for the executive order.
Who loves you baby!
Click here for the executive order.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Mayor Pushing Police To Live In Detroit
A house for $1000 in DeKalb? Could this happen here? If so, would you really want to send your kids to DeKalb County schools?
Click here for more.
Click here for more.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Absent Absentee Ballots
Have we been hoodwinked? The DeKalb County Board of Elections mailed absentee ballots for the pension board elections. One problem, the ballots were not included in the envelopes!
We have numerous complaints from retirees and current employees who did not receive an absentee ballot, including yours truly. This was in conjunction with employees being turned away at the polls because they didn't have a "certificate", even employees with valid state and county I.D. and in full uniform.
The DeKalb Board of Elections held the election. We can only imagine the outrage if any other election required a "certificate" before you are allowed to vote.
Why not require at tax?
We have numerous complaints from retirees and current employees who did not receive an absentee ballot, including yours truly. This was in conjunction with employees being turned away at the polls because they didn't have a "certificate", even employees with valid state and county I.D. and in full uniform.
The DeKalb Board of Elections held the election. We can only imagine the outrage if any other election required a "certificate" before you are allowed to vote.
Why not require at tax?
Pension Board Election Results Are In
The Department of Voters Registration has certified the results of the Pension Board Election. The new Pension Board Members are:
* Thomas Brown -Sheriff's Office
* Anthony McBride - Sanitation
One is embedded in county politics, and the other can't write.
Pretty much speaks for itself.
* Thomas Brown -Sheriff's Office
* Anthony McBride - Sanitation
One is embedded in county politics, and the other can't write.
Pretty much speaks for itself.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Did You Vote?
We hope everyone who wanted to vote for pension rep, got to. The county attached voting certificates to our pay stubs a few weeks back.
As we were voting, we saw that several people had forgotten or misplaced their certificate and were turned away from voting, even after producing valid state and county I.D.
Kinda strict rules huh? Even in national elections people are not required to have a certificate and in some cases even a valid I.D.
Makes you wonder........
As we were voting, we saw that several people had forgotten or misplaced their certificate and were turned away from voting, even after producing valid state and county I.D.
Kinda strict rules huh? Even in national elections people are not required to have a certificate and in some cases even a valid I.D.
Makes you wonder........
Vote Today!
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