Camden gets some relief

The doomsday budget crisis playing out in Camden has been temporarily alleviated by the city’s decision to rehire 50 police officers and 15 firefighters, Mayor Dana Redd said Thursday.

An agreement with Gov. Chris Christie’s administration will award Camden a $2.5 million transitional grant. The funds are to provide short-term relief, allowing the beleaguered city to supplement existing patrols through the summer. Mayor Redd noted the need for a more permanent solution.

Camden laid off 163 police officers, 60 firefighters, and 113 other city employees in January in an attempt to close a $26.5 million budget deficit.