Oxnard’s Revenue-Raising Options Include Putting Ads on Police Cars

A combination of federal grants and innovative funding proposals--including advertising on police cars and charging ambulances for space at fire stations--could help Oxnard beef up police and youth programs and keep its balanced budget.

The Oxnard City Council is expected tonight to adopt its fiscal year 1995-96 budget and to consider proposals that would add $1.3 million to hire police and coordinate youth programs.

Although the city’s proposed $59.4-million budget for the 1995-96 fiscal year would avoid a deficit, those council-designated priorities were not funded.

In June, council members asked City Manager Tom Frutchey to return with funding options that would allow them to hire more police officers, develop a master plan for youth services and coordinate and create youth after-school, sports and enrichment programs.

Mayor Manuel Lopez said Monday that the revenue options are realistic and viable. “They would enable us to enhance the public-safety program without dipping into the reserves,” Lopez said. “This has been our best budget in the last four to five years, and from what I’ve seen, from what I see here and from previous discussions, I don’t anticipate adopting the budget to be difficult.”

The additional revenue proposal under consideration includes allocating $486,900 in federal Community Development Block Grants to cover the youth services.

To bolster public safety, the city is considering selling advertising on police cars and leasing space for ambulances at fire stations.

“One of the options we’re going to present is having bumper stickers that say ‘So-and-so-business promotes or supports the Oxnard Police Department’ or ‘This company provides fuel for the Oxnard Police Department,’ ” said Police Chief Harold Hurtt. “It will be done in good taste with appropriate advertisers.”

Hurtt said he estimates the city could reap $15,000 in revenues from the advertising scheme. Leasing space at fire stations to private ambulance firms could bring in $20,000 to city coffers.

Another $30,000 could be raised by requiring anyone who causes a fire or hazardous materials spill through deliberate or gross negligence to reimburse the Fire Department, said Fire Chief Rand Coggan.

The council is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m at City Hall, 305 W. 3rd St.