Lake Forest council approves $23.19 million sheriff contract and adds one deputy

The Lake Forest City Council voted to approve a proposed law-enforcement services agreement with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department that staff said will cost $23,190,212 for fiscal year 2026–27 and will add one patrol deputy, bringing the city's contract deputy count from 38 to 39.

Deputy City Manager Sean McGovern told the council the contract model has been in place since the city's 1991 incorporation and that staff expect the roughly $450,000 year‑over‑year increase (about 1.98%) largely reflects the additional deputy. McGovern said the city’s Part 1 crime rate showed a modest decline from 2023 to 2024 and that response-time goals remain near five minutes (2024: 5:11; 2025: 5:12).

At the public podium, resident Amy Stevens said, “With a contract of more than 23,000,000, I think it's reasonable for residents to ask what outcomes and priorities that investment is tied to,” and urged clarity on whether the contract’s resources are aligned to traffic safety, e-bike enforcement and school-area priorities. She also flagged overtime language in the agreement that allows overtime expenses to exceed the city's maximum obligation and asked the council to consider clearer guardrails.

Council members discussed adding per-capita comparisons and reiterated that the city partially funds a school-resource officer. Mayor Piquenio moved to approve the item; Council Member Tetimer seconded. The council recorded the motion as passing 4‑0, with Council Member Voigt absent.

The approval authorizes the mayor to sign the agreement; McGovern said staff will monitor potential labor negotiations that could affect costs and return to council if adjustments are necessary. No council member requested amendments to the contract language at the time of the vote.

The council’s action is final for tonight; staff will proceed with contract execution and implementation steps outlined in the staff report.