SAN CLEMENTE : Study Asked on Cost of Sheriff’s Patrol

In hope of making a final decision by early 1993 on a controversial proposal to disband the Police Department, the City Council has asked for a study by the County Sheriff’s Department on how much it would cost for deputies to start patrolling the city.

The decision came after a four-hour budget-cutting session Wednesday night in which residents and city employees spoke in support of keeping control of the Police Department.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Police Chief Michael L. Sorg said about the contract proposal. “I don’t like the idea that it looks easy.

“There’s a paralysis setting in,” the police chief added. “We really need to bring this to a conclusion.”

Council members said they were also inclined to keep the Police Department but wanted the best possible cost estimates before making a final decision. A preliminary study indicates the city could save about $1.3 million in the first year by hiring the Sheriff’s Department to take over police services, and about $1.76 million in the second year.

In a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Thomas Lorch dissenting, the City Council also cut more than $600,000 in city services--including the elimination of 11.5 positions--to deal with the loss of property tax and vehicle license fee revenue to the state.

The new round of state-imposed cuts comes only three months after the council trimmed spending by almost $2 million and eliminated 13.5 jobs to balance the city’s $20-million general fund budget. Altogether, about 8% of the city work force has been cut in the last year, and most employees have accepted salary freezes and a reduction in benefits.

“We’re beyond fat,” City Manager Michael W. Parness said. “We’re cutting into muscle and getting near the bone.”

While most of the employees who lost their positions were able to move into other vacant spots, three people, including a business license inspector, a Fire Department battalion chief and a Fire Department communications coordinator, will lose their jobs with the new cuts.

Much of the public testimony during Wednesday’s hearing came from city employees who urged the council to find means other than laying off people and eliminating positions.

“Our department can ill afford such drastic cuts,” said Jim Dahl, president of the San Clemente Fire Department Employees Assn.

“We have to do more work with less people,” said Catherine O’Hara, a senior planner. “That really takes a toll.”

With the new cutbacks, City Hall will be closing an hour earlier, police officers will be taking fewer non-emergency reports, counter service will be limited and residents will have to start making appointments to meet with city staff members.

In addition to the loss in general fund revenue, the city also lost $148,000 in redevelopment funds to the state, which means officials will once again have to hold off on making needed street and storm drain repairs, and on replenishing dwindling emergency reserve funds.