[Press Release] : Price tag for preparedness

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Tony St. Romaine, Assistant City Manager - (573) 874-7721

Price tag for preparedness

COLUMBIA, MO (March 19, 2007) -- The city of Columbia spent at least
$27,085 to prepare for and deal with the contingent of National
Socialist Party members who visited the area on March 10. According to
Assistant City Manager Tony St. Romaine, these “hard costs”
documented by various city departments do not include an estimated
$5,000 in administrators’ time spent planning for the event.

St. Romaine said that, all told, the city identified $20,275 in
personnel costs (primarily for overtime compensation) and $6,810 for
supplies and equipment used on March 10. Most of that spending was
associated with public safety.

“Based on what we learned about similar events in other cities,”
St. Romaine said, “we wanted citizens to feel that the community was
well-prepared for a full range of scenarios.”

The planning paid off, St. Romaine said, noting a minimal number of
police arrests made that day and the strong support for “Spark in the
Park,” a celebration of Columbia’s diversity sponsored by local
organizations, businesses and citizens.

Documented city costs:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/3_19_07price.php


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