Increased policing costs may tip Saratoga into a budget deficit

"Saratoga is battling financial concerns as a pricey public safety contract with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office threatens to destabilize the budget they balanced last year. At a city council retreat on Tuesday, Saratoga councilmembers received staff reports concerning a midyear financial update and new contract demands from the sheriff's office. The city is one of a few that contract their public safety needs to the county sheriff."

"From last July and December, the city saw revenues increase by $3.4 million and $800,000 in savings from reduced spending. Service charges, property taxes and interest revenue were the main sources of increased income in the last six months, and the city has been able to save money from lower contract and personnel costs and employment vacancies. By January, city staff forecast an operating expense budget of $31.7 million and revenues totaling $36 million."

"However, the city's public safety contract with the sheriff's office is expected to increase by $2.9 million, 33% more than what Saratoga already pays. According to the county, the reason for the increase goes hand in hand with more complexity in policing. They cited expanded state-mandated training regarding the use of force, firearms and de-escalation tactics; greater reliance on technology like body-worn cameras and secure networks and computers; and significantly expanded reporting and accountability requirements, including public records obligations and independent review processes."

Saratoga saw revenues rise $3.4 million and achieve $800,000 in spending savings between July and December, led by service charges, property taxes and interest. Lower contract and personnel costs and vacancies boosted savings. By January, staff forecast operating expenses of $31.7 million and revenues of $36 million. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office proposed a $2.9 million, 33% increase in the city's public safety contract, citing expanded state-mandated training, greater reliance on technology like body-worn cameras, and expanded reporting, public records and independent review requirements. The county also cited recruitment and retention challenges and related hiring and training costs. Saratoga currently pays about $9 million for the contract that ends June 30; costs will rise 5% annually after 2027.

Read at The Mercury News