Members of the West Hollywood City Council say public security "improves" when there are fewer sheriff agents.

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West Hollywood, CaliforniaCity Council members are defending a vote to reduce law enforcement funding in a surge in crime in Los Angeles.

This week, several city council members told Fox News Digital to vote on a budget to reduce the number of Los Angeles County Sheriff's agentsMonday's 3-2 voteSaid to increase. Public security as additional funds and personnel are added for an unarmed security ambassador known as the "block by block patrol".

"There was a lot of debate about public security financing, but that's exactly what we didn't do," said councilor John Damiko, who voted for a budget leaving West Hollywood. .. Up to 5 fewer agents are on patrol. 

"This increase in public security services is not a reduction," D'Amico added. "This is a rebalancing of a biased system that focuses on arrest rather than security. Sheriffs spend more time fighting and tackling crime every day, and security ambassadors help homeless people and become more personal. Provides support and security at a high level. ”

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Outside West Hollywood Station Los Angeles County Sheriff's Patrol Car. On Monday, city officials voted to reduce funding for the sheriff's department.  (Los Angeles County Sheriff)

D'Amico added: We will look to the streets where we are working directly with residents, sheriffs, legal compliance, social welfare providers, and two agents this fall. "

Acting Mayor Sepi Shine also rejected the idea that having few armed officers on the street was unsafe.

"The safety of our residents and businesses has always been a top priority for my colleagues and me," Shyne told FoxNews Digital. "On Monday night, we took action to redistribute the Public Security Fund in a way that suits the needs of the community. In fact, we have over 26 new positions in the rethought public security team and full LASD assistance. Added reserves. "

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Los Angeles County Security Bureau Alex Villanueva spoke at a press conference at the Justice Office in downtown Los Angeles. (Christina House via Getty Images / Los Angeles Times)

Shine said, "I see some members of this council and part of the community trying to paint. I'm disappointed to see it. " As this is not the case.

Lindsey Horvath, the third council member who voted for the new budget, did not immediately respond to the request for comment.

Two council members who voted against the budget, Mayor Lauren Meister and John Ericsson, also explained to Fox News Digital about the vote. 

"I'm all in favor of increasing foot patrols, but unarmed security ambassadors can only supplement sworn police officers and cannot be replaced," Mai said. The star said. 

"Most of the residents and businesses I've heard are against cutting sheriffs' budgets," Meister said earlier this week. "They are outraged that people and organizations from outside our city are instructing Congress how to run our city. We are either sheriffs or social welfare, Or the explanation that you can have either a "sheriff or an unarmed security team" is incorrect.

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Ericsson Fox He voted against the proposal because of concerns about his ability to hire additional security ambassadors on a budgeted schedule, which he told News Digital:

"I'm a big proponent of the block-by-block security ambassador program," Ericsson said, explaining that he supports efforts to "rethink" the security of the West Hollywood community. "But what I didn't see before me was the timeline I could support."

The sheriff's agent monitors the LA Pride Parade as follows: Pass by West Hollywood, California. (Ronen Tivony / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images)

In a statement,Los Angeles County Sheriff's Officetold FoxNews Digital. They are disappointed with the vote to reduce staff.

"With the West Hollywood community, we are disappointed that four lawmakers will be cut in the coming months as part of the approved city budget," the statement said. "I would like to thank all the residents who opposed and responded to this vote. External activists seemed to be heavier than the residents of West Hollywood."

Despite the reduction in law enforcement funds Instead, the council also voted to give an additional $ 14,000 to the Russian Arts Festival, which is worth a total of $ 50,000 in a move criticized on social media.

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Last month, FoxNews Digital reported thatwas violent. This year's crimes in Los Angeles increased by6.7%, murders increased by 1.6%, and shootings increased by 1.5%.

In West Hollywood, LA Magazine reported in March thatcrime increased by 137%from last year and the town had a reputation for being "pickpocketed". ..