June
2008 | from
Jim Benedict,
Del Mar
Our
fair city is
always looking
for ways to
expand revenue
sources, but rarely
looks at the exploding
cost side of government.
I think it is
time to closely
scrutinize our
sheriff's contract
that has grown
over 100% in the
last few years
with little to
no increase in
protective services.
In
1998 the Sheriffs
budget for our
city's police
protection was
approximately
$660,000. In 2008
the same budget,
for the same basic
services is $1.2
million. The notes
in the published
city budget states
that this cost
jump is mostly
attributed to
exploding pension
costs.
Like
the City of San
Diego , our city
is experiencing
out-of-control
pension increases.
It
is high time that
our city leaders
take a hard look
at other police
protection options.
One option that
should be reviewed
is forming a brand
new police department
with the cities
of Solana Beach
and Encinitas.
Thanks to Mayor
David Druker for
taking a leadership
role and bringing
this issue up
with the mayors
of those cities.
The solution is
NOT to attach
our protection
needs to other
cities like Coronado
, Carlsbad , or
San Diego . These
cities also have
the high price
of backend benefits
as well.
Another
solution to explore
is a new police
force with highly
paid police officers
and fair pension
plans.
We
will have two
new faces on
the council this
year with Henry
and David retiring.
Maybe this new
city council
can put a priority
on reviewing
the cost side
of government
with a focus on
our police-protection
contract.
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