Friday marks last day for Straub

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Frank Straub will step down as the city's Public Safety Director on Friday.

As he leaves, for the first time in years, the public safety budget could face cuts instead of increases.

The public safety portion of the budget is the biggest part of spending, accounting for about 85 percent of the total budget.

The city is facing a possible $30 million shortfall next year.

Of concern are cuts that could be made to public safety, specifically the fire and police departments and the courts.

Straub came to Indianapolis in 2009 and announced his resignation this April.

He's faced his share of controversy during that time, namely the ongoing case of David Bisard and the missteps along the way, like the mishandling of Bisard's blood samples.

Straub also didn't always have the full backing of IMPD.

But Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard stuck by his side, telling 24-Hour News 8 that Straub did bring reform, though his manner may not have sat well with some.

“Large, large portions of the city really respected what he did by, frankly, taking on the good ole' boy network,” Ballard said.  “Some people didn't take that very well, but I think it needed to be done."

There was some uncertainty about when Straub would actually leave.

The mayor said that was because Straub had unfinished business to work on, like helping with next year's budget.

There's still a long way to go in the budget process.

The initial proposal is due Monday, but it will take time before it’s finalized.

The process to name the new public safety director could take weeks.