Group Urges More Funds for Policing

Santa Paula lacks enough money to provide adequate law enforcement, according to a report by a group of residents who spent seven months researching the city’s police services.

The 11-member Public Safety Strategy Team, a volunteer group headed by former Councilwoman Kay Wilson-Bolton, presented its study Monday night to the City Council.

The report noted that Santa Paula has the county’s second-highest crime rate, while its police officers are the lowest paid. Utility taxes, benefit assessment districts and other ways of raising money for police should be considered, the committee said.

The city needs to make public safety its top priority, Wilson-Bolton said. Committee recommendations included using reserve funds to hire more officers and buy updated equipment, as well as exploring whether to contract with the Sheriff’s Department.

The committee has requested that the city respond to its report within 60 days.

“I think we got their attention,” Wilson-Bolton said. “We’ve taken it to the public now, and we know the council is as concerned as we are. We just need some bold decision-making. We just need some bold leadership.”

The committee’s conclusions held few surprises for Police Chief Walt Adair.

“Essentially, it was what I’ve been telling the council for the past couple of years,” he said. “I’m hopeful there will be some change. [The report] reiterates the community concern for public safety.”

Adair declined comment on the committee’s call to examine contracting for law enforcement services with the Sheriff’s Department.

But Wilson-Bolton said Ojai and Fillmore, two other small cities that contract with the sheriff, have not experienced the lack of local control that they feared.