The Situation: You are one of the four members of the City Council of
Bratteville. Tax and other revenues are down significantly due to an
increase in violent crime and arson; which have caused a sudden unexpected
exodus of citizens and businesses from the community. This has caused a
difficult budget shortfall forcing harsh choices upon the Council. The
police have requested funds to replace 2 members of the city's 4-member
council force who have recently resigned and moved away. They also need to
replace one of their three patrol units. The costs of recruitment, payroll,
and benefits for the three officers, plus the replacement patrol unit, are
$200,000.00. The fire department needs to replace one of its two fire
engines, which was destroyed in one of the arsons. The cost of the new fire
engine will be $200,000.00. The City Orphanage partially burnt down in one
of the arsons. 30 orphans must now share an amount of space which, by City
Ordinance 112.5 (b), can only have a maximum living capacity of 15. Costs to
repair the arson damage are $200,000.00. All possible options have been
considered by the council and it has been decided that only ONE of the items
can be funded with the $200,000.00 left in the City's budget. As City
Council Member, you can only vote for one item.
The Question: Do you choose to approve funding for new police officers and
the patrol units they will need, the fire engine, or the repairs to the
orphanage? Why have you made this decision, and how did you come to your
conclusion?
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