Atwater council directs staff to finalize Measure B public-safety expenditure plan

The Atwater City Council on Monday directed staff to prepare a final version of the city's Measure B public-safety expenditure plan and return it for consideration at the next council meeting on June 9. The discussion laid out eligible spending categories and flagged several items for closer council review.

City staff member Chris, presenting the draft, described broad categories that would be eligible for Measure B funds, including crime prevention and reduction initiatives, surveillance-camera installations in sensitive areas, enhanced DUI enforcement, and technology and software such as crime-data analytics systems and body-worn-camera data storage platforms. "This could include crime data analytics systems, body worn camera data storage and management, digital evidence management platforms," Chris said, listing examples to clarify the scope.

Chris also identified training and professional development (de-escalation, crisis intervention, cultural competency and tactical training) and facility improvements such as police-station upgrades, security systems and training-center retrofits.

Several council members urged tighter review of larger capital items. "I would much rather see us spending Measure B money on public protection rather than buildings," Council member Kalisa said, arguing for prioritizing personnel and operational protection over facility spending. Another council member said capital improvements for fire facilities should be considered individually to keep firefighters healthy and operational.

Council and staff agreed that facility-related items often involve larger sums and should receive extra scrutiny when they arise, with staff describing those items as tending to come to council for explicit decision rather than being handled administratively. On wellness and support services, the draft lists officer mental-health programs, peer support, fitness and resiliency equipment; Kalisa suggested moving gym-equipment items to a separate treatment, noting the council previously authorized about $14,000 for fire fitness equipment.

A staff member overseeing Measure B oversight work explained the oversight committee's role: "Their job is to provide sunshine," the staff member said, adding the committee should issue an annual report identifying which expenditures it views as appropriate under the ordinance and offering feedback the council can use to amend the expenditure plan over time.

The mayor characterized the discussion as an action item to authorize staff to prepare the final plan for consideration at the next regular meeting. Staff confirmed they will bring the plan back on June 9; one staff member advised that a formal motion might not be necessary because the council was giving direction rather than taking a vote.

The council did not take a formal recorded vote on the plan tonight; staff will return with a finalized draft and supporting details for council review.