Budget Impact: One Less Traffic Cop on Santee Streets?

Santee may soon have one less Sheriff's traffic officer and two fewer community service officers due to budget concerns.

The Santee city council at the June 12 meeting came closer to deciding how to handle the increasing costs of contracting the San Diego County Sheriff's Department to handle law enforcement in the city. Projected costs would skyrocket, annual costs in five years would be $2.7 million more than this year.

"We must restructure so police that are dealing with crime in the city remain untouched," said City Manager Keith Till.

The crime rate in Santee in 2012 was the highest it's been since 2008, at 23.11 crimes per 1,000 residents, with an increase in property crimes and a decrease in violent crimes.

"A $2.7 million increase in Sheriff contract costs over five years won't work for the city, other parts of the city would be severely affected," said Till.

The city stands to save $1.73 million over the next five years if the staffing changes are made.

One traffic officer position has been held vacant for a few months, so the city would already be accustomed to the change. Community service officers aren't sworn officers and don't deal with crime, they tow cars and deal with other administrative tasks.

Santee Sheriff's Station Captain Lisa Miller said they can handle losing the three positions and keep up the expected standard of safety in the city.

Councilmembers were somewhat skeptical of the loss of Sheriff personell with crime rates up in the city.

"I don't know that this is enough of an investment to keep up the quality of life residents expect," said Councilmember Jack Dale.

"It seems the main impact wouldn't be on crime, but on the number of tickets written; which the way I drive might not be a bad thing," said Mayor Randy Voepel. 

Santee has 1.13 sworn officers per 1,000 residents, which would drop to 1.11 if the changes are made. The city would still be near the top of the list of Sheriff contracted cities in the county.

The Sheriff staffing changes would be made affective when the council votes on the proposed five-year budget next month.