Budget Cuts Threaten Public Safety | Hattiesburg News

Jackson’s police and fire departments are bracing for major budget cuts—nearly $5 million, or 13.5%—forcing tough choices like freezing positions and risking plummeting fire safety ratings. The police face staffing freezes, while the fire department urgently needs $1.6 million to maintain its ISO rating and avoid a catastrophic drop from 25 to 50. City council members are demanding accountability: if services are needed, funding must be found—even if it’s unpopular. With a possible September budget meeting, there’s still time to adjust, but public safety is hanging by a thread as cash runs thin. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9337a757740ac490