Santa Fe Springs Council Approves Contract With Whittier Police : Law enforcement: New $3.7-million annual pact ends longstanding ties with Sheriff’s Department.

The Santa Fe Springs City Council has approved a $3.7-million annual contract for the Whittier Police Department to patrol the city beginning in October--an area that has been covered by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department since the late 1950s.

Council members said they have been satisfied with the service from deputies, but that the Whittier department could offer policing at a lower price.

“This is undoubtedly the most difficult decision I’ve had to make on this board,” said veteran Councilwoman Betty Wilson. “I apologize to the Sheriff’s Department, but I feel this (move) is the best that we can do for the city.”

The council voted 4-1 for the controversial plan, which city officials said will save $500,000 a year. Councilwoman Mercedes Diaz dissented.

Diaz said she agrees with the Sheriff’s Department’s contention that some costs have been underestimated, and the actual yearly savings will be only $120,000. That sum is not great enough to warrant such a drastic change, Diaz said.

The city currently pays $4.2 million under the Sheriff’s Department contract.

“We’re very disappointed,” said Sheriff’s Department Capt. Kenneth L. Bayless. “It’s the end of a 37-year relationship. We believe we’ve provided the best law enforcement that can be provided.”

Under the new contract, which the Whittier City Council approved last month, the police department will add 32 officers and seven civilian employees to its 94-officer force. In a study conducted earlier this year, a seven-member panel found that the Whittier department has a faster response time to calls and a better record of solving crimes.

“We’re thankful to have the opportunity to take on a project of this kind,” said Cpl. Rick Gilliland of the Whittier police. “We’re looking forward to developing a community-based policing model in Santa Fe Springs.”

Meanwhile, a group of residents opposed to the switch said they will continue to gather signatures in an attempt to place the issue on the ballot. The group needs to collect 700 signatures to place a measure on the ballot in March, 1997, or 1,200 signatures to force a special election, possibly in the fall.

City attorneys said that the city has the legal right to contract with any agency and a petition would have no effect on the contract.

But Francis Carbajal, who is leading the petition drive, said she would continue efforts to block the new contract.

“It’s not over till it’s over,” said Carbajal. “If it means going to court, then I guess we will do that.”

Before a crowd of about 50 last week, some council members angrily denounced the petition effort.

“I don’t need 100% approval before making a decision,” said Councilman Ron Kernes. “If I did that, I wouldn’t be a leader. I was elected to do more than kiss babies and shake hands.”