Council approves community service officer position after debate over duties and cost

Captain Trujillo asked council to authorize staff to recruit for a full‑time, non‑union Community Service Officer to provide animal shelter staffing, municipal code enforcement support and parking/parking‑related enforcement. He described the role as noncommissioned and unarmed and said the vendor/department would provide fleet support.

"The community service officer is a full time nonunion position within the QPD that performs a wide range of public safety and community oriented duties," Trujillo said. He added the position would help with shelter mornings and municipal code duties and that it "doesn't have to be a full commission." Financial and cost concerns were raised: one council member said the role looked similar to a code‑enforcement position but at a higher pay grade and questioned the price tag. Finance Director Linica said the position had been discussed during the budget process and will be monitored to ensure duties remain community and animal enforcement focused.

Council discussed vehicles and whether the role duplicated former staff roles; staff said fleet and public works will assist with vehicle needs and that past reserve officers filled similar duties. After discussion, a motion to authorize advertising for the position was moved, seconded and approved; one council member recorded a nay.