Lackluster community response ends talk of public safety initiative

June 21, 2006
Santa Paula City Council

After lackluster attendance at a community workshop to address a possible public safety funding initiative, the City Council agreed at the June 5 meeting to put aside the issue for the time being.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesAfter lackluster attendance at a community workshop to address a possible public safety funding initiative, the City Council agreed at the June 5 meeting to put aside the issue for the time being.Only five citizens attended the April community workshop that was also televised on Adelphia Cable Channel 10, noted City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.“There was no consensus among those who attended the meeting,” with some supporting an initiative that would boost police and fire coffers with others not showing support for a measure.“Based on the response and the informal comments from the Council” Bobkiewicz said that although “there appears to be great support for our police and fire departments, there is just not a consensus on how best to help them.”Bobkiewicz noted that his opinion was also based on further input from residents who did not attend the workshop but offered comment on the issue.
The community workshop was held to gauge public reaction and support for a potential ballot measure that would have placed either an annual property tax or 4 percent utility tax to help boost funding for police and fire services.A flat rate $6 a month tax on four utility services - $24 a month per household - proposed several years ago that would have raised more than $2 million annually was soundly rejected by voters.Since then the city has been grappling with how to beef up public safety services, including hiring more personnel for the understaffed Santa Paula Police and Fire departments.The new tax attempt under discussion could have been placed on the November ballot if public support had been shown but even the Council itself had shown little enthusiasm for a second try at passing a tax.Bobkiewicz noted that the Council could revisit the issue next year.Mayor Rick Cook made the motion to receive and file the report, noting “Thank you Mr. Bobkiewicz, for your dedication and sincerity,” in pursuing the issue.



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