Saturday, April 27, 2024
BRIDGEPORT – More than 75 Bridgeport residents turned out for a public meeting last Thursday, March 14, held to encourage public input concerning a steep cost increase for law enforcement services provided to the city through the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO).
Bridgeport relies on the DCSO for its police protection and in the past has negotiated a multi-year contract with the county for those services. Late last year the city council was advised by Sheriff Kevin Morris that those costs would take a significant increase starting this year.
Up until now the cost of DCSO services increased by the greater of either the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or three percent, paid monthly in equal shares. Over the past five years from 2019 to 2023 city expenditures have come up short more than $15,000 to cover those costs – and two of those years, 2021-2022, saw no contract increase during COVID.
Starting this year the new contract increase from the previous year would be:
2024 – 11 percent.
2025 – 10 percent.
2026 - 9 percent.
2027 - 8 percent.
2028 - 8 percent.
2029 - 3 percent (contract due for renegotiation).
The proposed cost increase to the city is approximately 49 percent over a five-year period.
“This is just the first five years,” said city councilmember Matt Schuh. “What are we looking at past that?”
Law enforcement is funded through a variety of avenues, state sales tax, property taxes, traffic fines, and utility bills. To generate enough revenue to pay for the proposed agreement the only option is to raise taxes on utilities up to 14 percent, according to figures presented at the meeting by city clerk/treasurer Judy Brown.
The proposed cost increase to the city is approximately 49 percent over a five-year period.
That raises another a concern city council member Matt Schuh.
“There is an honest concern about affordability,” said Schuh. “Can the citizens afford the increase in the bill to cover the cost of the contract?”
Current annual conservative estimates for utility ratepayers computes as:
That leads to another concern Schuh has related to other city services.
“Can the city afford it and still provide fire and EMS services?” Schuh wonders. “What about the streets?”
Mayor Sergio Orozco sees more discussion ahead.
“I want to call a meeting with the other mayors to see what they are doing and determine what our next step is from here,” said Orozco. “But we’re going to try to get more information from our community.”
Council member Mike Bjornstad asked for a show of hands of those in the audience willing to pony up the additional $41.50 monthly. There were few takers.
“I don’t really think anything was really decided last night, but a lot of issues and comments were talked about,” said Schuh. “It was a good way to get the conversation going.”
The discussion will continue, and citizens are encouraged to contact city hall with any comments or concerns to add to the public’s position.
Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media
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