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Utica's Finance Committee meets to discuss accepting county money to restore police positions

By WKTV News

Story Created: Apr 26, 2012 at 5:06 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 26, 2012 at 5:15 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The City of Utica's Finance Committee meets Thursday night to decide whether or not to accept money from the county that could restore certain positions in the Utica Police Department.

Mayor Robert Palmieri, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente and Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara will be giving a presentation to common councilors on their $100,000 offer to the city to restore some UPD positions.

The county is offering the money to keep a UPD Investigator at the Child Advocacy Center, which investigates sex crimes against children, restore two UPD officers to the Oneida County Drug Task Force, and restore five UPD officers to their former command positions.

District Attorney McNamara says the county was going to use the money to update the Drug Task Force, but now feels helping the Utica Police Department takes priority.

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri says he believes the move would be in the best interest of the city and that it shows what teamwork on behalf of the city and county could accomplish.

The mayor approached the council regarding the county money and says he is confident that he has the minimum five votes on the council that is required to pass the measure.

**Click the video for a LIVE report from Utica City Hall**

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