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Council reviews proposed hire of two sworn officers and other staffing changes
Summary
Council members discussed proposed staffing adjustments in the FY26‑27 budget, including two new sworn police officer positions (one school resource/comfort dog handler, one NET assignment), reclassifications in HR and community development, and a $702,000 total anticipated cost.
City staff told the council the proposed FY26‑27 budget would add several positions across departments, and that the total cost to the city for the proposed staffing changes is approximately $702,000 annually. "For the police department, we would like to add 2 police officers, 1 for the neighborhood engagement team and 1 for the community engagement bureau," Finance Director Martha Garcia said during her presentation.
Council members asked whether the school‑focused and NET positions could be staffed with non‑sworn personnel as a cost‑saving alternative. Public safety leadership said the school safety position in particular "would need to be a sworn officer" because of its anticipated duties; the role was described as a combined sworn school safety officer and comfort dog handler. Staff said they try to reclassify positions or use part‑time roles where appropriate but that these two sworn additions were judged necessary.
