The full Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to eliminate the city's Office of Community Safety.
The office oversees several departments including police and fire, emergency management and neighborhood safety.
Earlier this year, that department commissioner, Todd Barnette, did not get confirmed by the council after Frey reappointed him.
Supporters of the office's elimination say the money it took to run it can be better used elsewhere. Barnette has since left his position.
"I have begged, literally begged this department, to curate something that is specific to the needs of Ward 4, and I got nothing," said Councilmember LaTrisha Vetaw who voted to abolish the position. "It looks exactly like it looked four-and-a-half years ago when this department got stood up."
Nine councilmembers approved the plan, meaning there are enough votes to override a potential veto by Mayor Jacob Frey who is expected to respond to the vote in a Thursday afternoon press conference.
Those in favor say the move will save $2 million at a time when the city is in a budget crunch.
Councilmember Linnea Palmisano was among four councilmembers who oppose the move.
"Just because you remove it, you don't improve it," noted Palmisano. "I take great umbrage that we remove it to push resources around to other things, instead of helping to build a public safety system that is right for Minneapolis."
There are enough votes from the council to potentially override a veto by Mayor Frey, if he chooses to take that route.
