Antioch swears in eight new police officers amid budget challenges

The Antioch City Council meeting on May 13, 2025, highlighted significant developments in local law enforcement and ongoing budget discussions. Mayor's comments focused on the recent swearing-in of eight new police officers, bringing the total number of sworn officers in Antioch to 87. The new officers, Ahmed Campos, Jennings, Aracio, Ortiz, Reynolds, Rollins, and Serna, were welcomed into the police department during a ceremony held at Nick Rodriguez.

Mayor expressed gratitude towards Chief Vigil and Anna Cortez for their efforts in recruiting and processing new officers, emphasizing the community's interest in joining the police force. The mayor noted that the city aims to achieve a fully staffed police department of 117 officers, which is seen as crucial for enhancing public safety.

In addition to law enforcement updates, the mayor addressed the city's budget process, which is currently facing a significant deficit. The council is committed to reducing this deficit and will discuss strategies to balance the budget in an upcoming meeting on May 20. The mayor encouraged community participation in these discussions, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making regarding city services and programs.

The meeting also acknowledged the extensive work done by city staff in preparation for the budget discussions, with nine study sessions already held. The mayor expressed confidence in the council's ability to navigate the budget challenges collaboratively, ensuring that decisions are made with a clear understanding of their impact on the community.