Lompoc council authorizes staff to begin talks on policing contracts with Solvang and Bealton, requests October update

The Lompoc City Council on July 13 authorized staff to begin negotiations with nearby Solvang and Bealton on a possible law-enforcement service agreement, with an explicit directive that Chief Martin return with a detailed report in October.

Chief Martin presented a 100,000-foot staffing model that would provide a lieutenant on-site, four sergeants, four corporals, twelve officers, a motor officer and support personnel. Finance staff member Bob Cross said Lompoc's in-house projections for providing similar staffing were roughly $4.1 million, compared with approximately $3.435 million the two cities currently pay the county.

Council members asked pointed questions about startup costs for radio infrastructure, marked vehicles, legal and insurance liability, and what would happen to Lompoc coverage if contracted staffing were diverted to a partner city during a local emergency. Chief Martin said those startup investments and service-level details would be negotiated and that partner cities would be expected to help front hiring and equipment costs.

Randy Murphy, Solvang city manager, told the council Solvang's governing body had unanimously authorized staff to negotiate and that Solvang expects two to three dedicated officers in its city at all times under an agreement. Public comment emphasized careful community engagement and clarity on costs before any commitments.

Councilmember Vega moved to authorize negotiations; Councilmember Starbuck seconded and the motion included a requirement that the chief report back to council in October. The council instructed staff to solicit and consider public comment before giving formal direction on any contract terms.

Next steps: staff will begin outreach and formal talks with the two cities and return to the council with a proposed term sheet and an October briefing on costs, legal exposures and operational timelines.