Public Safety Commission narrows budget review to equipment, staffing and advocacy items

At its March 17 meeting the City of Redondo Beach Public Safety Commission voted to continue a standing review of items in the FY 2024–25 budget that pertain to public safety and to focus the next update on specific priorities.

Commissioner Trisha Skiba moved that I1 (the commission's budget-review item) remain continued with emphasis on a subset of line items. Commissioners identified a list of topics they wanted status updates on, including technology and equipment for the police department (body-worn cameras), vehicle replacement, domestic violence advocacy program updates, crossing guards, code-enforcement staffing and other items the commission flagged as relevant to public safety. The motion to continue I1 with those focal items carried by voice vote.

During discussion commissioners said they want concrete status updates from the city manager or department staff on whether planned purchases and hires were completed, and whether programs funded in the adopted budget are being implemented. Commissioners specifically requested updates on: the domestic violence advocacy program; PD body cameras; vehicle replacement and other technology needs; crossing guard staffing; and part-time code-enforcement recruitment. Commissioners also asked staff to provide the original budget documents and any subsequent contract or procurement outcomes so the commission can track implementation.

No budget transfers or spending decisions were made at the meeting; the action recorded was procedural (continuing the review with a narrowed focus). Commissioners said they will invite department managers and, where appropriate, the city manager to future meetings to report on the items the commission flagged.