Occupy protests have cost taxpayers at least $13 Million

From the AP - [culled from two articles]:

A survey by The Associated Press shows the Occupy movement has cost local taxpayers nationwide at least $13 million since the protests began.

The data was collected from government agencies in 18 cities with active protests. The numbers reflect costs incurred through Nov. 15 [8 days ago], the day protesters were evicted from the New York City encampment...

[And] the price of the protests is rising by the day — along with taxpayer ire in some places.

Aside from policing, cleaning and repairing property at dozens of 24-hour encampments, cities have had to monitor frequent rallies and protests.

The spending comes as cash-strapped police departments have cut overtime budgets, travel and training to respond to the recession. Nonetheless, city officials say they have no choice but to bring in extra officers or hold officers past their shifts to handle gatherings and marches in a way that protects free speech rights and public safety. In some cities, officials say the spending is eating into their overtime budgets and leaving less money for other public services...

In Oakland, where protesters temporarily forced the shutdown of a major port, the city has spent more than $2.4 million responding to the protests. The cash-strapped city, which had to close a $58 million budget gap this year, was already facing an uphill battle when Occupy Oakland began Oct. 10.

"The cost of the encampments is growing and putting a strain on our already fragile resources — police, public works, and other city staff," said Mayor Jean Quan...

In New York City, the police department has spent $7 million in overtime on the protests...

But money [and property damage] is not the only issue:

In Tennessee, where protesters have been camped outside the Capitol, a State General Services spokeswoman said two cleaning crew members have spent about three hours every morning pressure-washing entrances to the building using household cleaners to deodorize them.....