9 out of 13 members voiced support for the measure Sunday night (full video below).
However, it’s not that simple.
According to Fox9:
According to the city charter, the council is responsible for the funding of the department — and is required to maintain a minimum force determined by the city’s population — about 723 officers based on recent population estimates.
The mayor’s office is given “complete power” over the department under the charter as well. Currently, the city’s budget allows for about 888 sworn officers.
In order to change, the charter, an amendment would require a public vote or full approval of the entire city council along with the mayor.
“We might have to take it to the people to have a vote on it, but I think there are a lot of ways in which the council can move forward with the plan even if the mayor isn’t on board,” said Councilmember Jeremiah Ellison, who supports the defunding effort.
Exactly how a police-less Minneapolis would work is not clear. The council said they are still working on a plan.
Source:
Full video (UnicornRiot LiveStream):
