In response to budget cutbacks in DeKalb earlier this year that resulted in furlough days, no pay on holidays and no merit increases for DeKalb Police receiving no pay on holidays and no merit increases, the DeKalb Officers blog let it be known that the force would be writing fewer tickets this year in protest.

According to this morning’s AJC, officers followed through on the threat.  From May to November, DeKalb Police wrote 33% fewer tickets, costing the County “more than $5 million in revenue”.

DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis’ budget for next year eliminates furlough days for police, but is asking for a second straight year for a property tax increase to cover costs.  The County Commission didn’t like that idea last year.  We’ll have to see how things play out this year.