McFarland approves new corporal position and hires federal advocate to seek funding for police facility

The McFarland City Council on June 23 approved two items aimed at strengthening public safety capacity: (1) adding one corporal position to the police department staffing allocation to support promotions and investigative coverage, and (2) entering an agreement with Forward Global to pursue federal funding and strategic communications for a new police facility.

City staff said the corporal addition is meant to support internal promotions, improve supervisory coverage and align with succession planning. Staff reported the change does not increase the overall headcount because it reclassifies an existing position; the estimated biweekly salary range for the reclassified position is $2,502.16 to $3,202.94 (annual range $65,056.11 to $83,276.56). Staff said funding is available within the existing police department budget.

“We are requesting council approval of resolution number 2025‑66 to add one corporal position to the police department staffing allocation,” staff said. Councilors emphasized that adding supervisory capacity should free officers for investigative work, including cold cases. Vice Mayor O’Connell noted the department inherited 22–26 unsolved homicides and said dedicated investigative capacity could help provide closure to families.

Separately, the council approved a professional services agreement with Forward Global to assist the city’s lobbying and strategic communications efforts in Washington, D.C., with a focus on federal grant opportunities for a new police facility and related public‑safety infrastructure. Forward Global representatives described a combined government‑affairs and strategic communications approach that includes targeted outreach to federal lawmakers, media placements and coordinating visits to Washington to put “face to the issue.” Jaime Figueres, the Forward Global presenter, said the firm’s U.S. team includes former political operatives and media contacts that can help position McFarland’s request.

Council members said a modern police facility would support investigations, records and evidence management, and emergency operations. Staff and Forward Global representatives said federal funding processes are competitive and that a coordinated outreach and communications plan is intended to improve the city’s chances for grants. Council adopted the Forward Global agreement by roll call (ayes: Marion, Vice Mayor O’Connell, Councilor Gonzales, Councilor Perez, Councilor Gutierrez).

Council also recognized a promotional ceremony earlier in the meeting for Officer Ubaldo Weiss, who was promoted to corporal in a ceremonial action. That personnel recognition was separate from the staffing allocation change adopted by resolution and did not by itself alter the authorized staffing table.

The corporal position resolution (2025‑66) and the Forward Global agreement (2025‑67) both passed by roll call; council directed staff to proceed with implementation, to report back on outreach outcomes, and to include any federal awards in future budget updates.