In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed ongoing issues with vendor payments related to off-duty police jobs, highlighting a troubling history of debt and mismanagement. Councilor Givner initiated the conversation, expressing confusion over the vendors involved and the reasons for outstanding payments owed to the city.

Acting Chief Cruz and city treasurer provided clarity on the situation, explaining that the city has outsourced the management of off-duty police jobs to vendors like Roll Call and Off Duty Blue. These vendors facilitate the hiring of police officers for various events, such as construction work or parades, but the city has faced challenges in collecting payments from these vendors, leading to significant debts.

Councilor Bartley voiced frustration over the historical context, recalling a time when the city was burdened with over $1 million in unpaid debts due to vendor negligence. He criticized the current system, arguing that the city should collect payments upfront before officers are dispatched, to avoid placing taxpayers at risk for unpaid services. Bartley announced plans to file an order to halt all off-duty jobs until a more reliable payment system is established.

The discussion revealed that approximately $120,000 is currently owed to the city from Off Duty Blue, with concerns that vendors are not fulfilling their payment obligations. Council members expressed a desire for transparency regarding which vendors owe money and emphasized the need for a more effective system moving forward.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges the city faces in managing off-duty police job payments and the necessity for reform to protect taxpayer interests and ensure timely compensation for police services.