A ballot initiative could be the answer said Cook and Councilman Ray Luna, but the passage of same would depend on department support.“If the police walk and knock on doors, they can’t stay home and hope it passes; I hear a few years ago they didn’t,” lobby for the initiative, which failed.“I like to see those red trucks [of the SPFD] not the yellow ones in our city. . .I think we have the best police in the state,” for its size, he added.Staying local is one thing said Councilwoman Mary Ann Krause, but also “we have to be as creative as possible in providing excellent police and fire service. . .I would not change agencies for the sake of changing agencies,” but if cost savings are factored in, “I’m willing to take that step.”Krause noted that the council is “simply gathering information” but protection remains a top priority.Vice Mayor Gabino Aguirre and Mayor John Procter also offered assurances that the letters are just testing the option waters.“Our police department does an incredible job and I suspect we won’t find other options viable” but such an exploration is “owed to the community,” said Procter.The Ventura County Fire District, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, City of Fillmore and the City of Ventura will receive option inquiry letters.
Police/Fire service options from outside agencies requested
September 10, 2003
Santa Paula City Council
The City Council approved sending letters to various public safety agencies and gave them until Oct. 17th to response as to whether or not they want to share or overseeing the police and fire departments.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City Council approved sending letters to various public safety agencies and gave them until Oct. 17th to response as to whether or not they want to share or overseeing the police and fire departments.The council approved the series of letters at the Sept. 2nd meeting.“This is a very serious issue for the council and the community to consider,” said City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.As the primary function of government is ensuring public safety, the “city must now take steps” to determine if it can match the services provided to other cities and the county.Jim Nelson of Santa Paula noted that “There’s nothing wrong with looking at options but I think you have to look long and hard at giving up control,” that cannot be regained. “If you contract with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department you’re selling your soul; you can’t go back and you will just pay more and more and more every year,” for less services. “If I have a problem with our police department I know how to get in contact with you. . .local control is worth a heck of a lot.”The SPPD is a good department, said Councilman Cook, “but where will we be six months from now?” And finances will be a top priority, he added.“Residents look to us as public safety is the first priority,” said Bobkiewicz. “I think we have to look and see what it will take to provide the level of service we ought to.”Partnerships and contracting are just options, he noted, and “another option is to find ways to generate funds” to booster the city’s fire and police departments.
