Angels’ Season Isn’t Over for City

The Anaheim Angels are scheduled to report for spring training in Arizona next week, but there’s still one issue left on deck from the World Series: the city’s bill.

Anaheim recently billed the Angels nearly $750,000 for police services provided at the nine postseason games and on the day when 20,000 fans swarmed Edison International Field to buy World Series tickets. The total includes such costs as a police helicopter and a $212 portable toilet rental.

Both the city and the Angels are quick to say there is no billing dispute -- at least not yet. Major league baseball teams typically pick up the cost for police-related services for postseason games. The Angels have made a partial payment, but have met with city officials to review the rest of the bill.

“We’re getting some things worked out and moving forward,” Angels spokesman Tim Mead said. “Both parties are approaching it like, ‘Hey here’s the cost. Now what do we do?’ Let’s just make sure who’s responsible for what.”

Anaheim police routinely bill venues such as the Arrowhead Pond and the Convention Center when extra security is needed during special events. During the regular season, the Angels contract with the department for six to eight officers per home game, Anaheim Police Sgt. Rick Martinez said.

There was no written contract or predetermined level of staffing for the postseason, in part because the Angels had never been to the World Series and hadn’t been to the playoffs since 1986.

The city met with Angels management, then provided the personnel they believed was necessary to ensure safety, officials said. The costs include services provided at the stadium, in the parking lot and on surrounding streets.

According to a detailed cost breakdown released by the city, police logged 10,458 hours totaling $452,759 during the nine postseason home games. Code enforcement, Fire Department, stand-by ambulances, additional staffing from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and other related costs brought the total to $749,712.

In comparison, San Diego police estimate that security for the Super Bowl cost between $1.5 million and $2 million.