Yucaipa approves 7% increase to sheriff contract amid staffing MOU; net FY2026 cost rises to about $14.15 million
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Summary
Council approved an amendment to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Schedule A contract reflecting a roughly 7% increase tied to a new MOU; staff said the amendment adds about $925,879 and the net FY2026 contract amount is $14,146,422 after personnel credits. Council discussed sworn staffing levels and budget share for public safety.
The Yucaipa City Council approved Amendment No. 42 to its law-enforcement services contract (Schedule A) with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, reflecting a negotiated memorandum of understanding that increases costs by roughly 7%.
Staff told the council the amendment adds approximately $925,879 to the contract; the revised FY2026 contract gross total was presented as $14,738,706 less an annual personnel credit of $592,284, resulting in a net contract amount of $14,146,422, effective Oct. 4. Staff said there were no changes to service levels or staffing as a direct result of the amendment, and the modification was within the budgeted reserve the council established during the FY2026 budget process.
Councilmembers asked for context on how much of the operating budget is spent on public safety; staff said unrestricted general-fund spending on public safety moves into the sixties, approaching 70 percent of such funds. Council members also asked about the number of sworn deputies (staff cited 39 sworn assigned) and recent fluctuations; staff said sworn totals had increased by four positions over the last four years.
A motion to approve the amendment passed after council discussion. Supporters said the county MOU addressed staffing shortages and was consistent with prior budget planning; others noted the amendment will increase a major line-item in the city budget and underscored the need to explore supplemental local options such as enhanced municipal code enforcement and ranger responsibilities to reduce demands on deputies.
Next steps: the amendment takes effect as presented; staff and council signaled ongoing attention to funding public safety and possible policy measures to augment sheriff services with other city assets.
