Increased costs but stagnant services have prompted two Santa Ynez Valley cities to explore dropping the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and contracting for law enforcement services from the Lompoc Police Department. 

The Solvang City Council on Tuesday night heard about the possible switch, while the Buellton City Council will consider the proposal in the coming months.

Solvang’s council unanimously authorized staff to pursue Lompoc providing police services while also negotiating for a one-year extension with the Sheriff’s Office as a backup if the deal with Lompoc can’t be finalized.

“Let’s keep in mind this is exploratory and we’re just trying to see is it worth staff time to pursue it,” Mayor David Brown said.

The valley’s two cities, along with Carpinteria and Goleta, individually contract with the Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services rather than operating their own police departments.

However, surprise rising costs for basic services, inadequate traffic enforcement, a lack of transparency, unreliable event coverage and other factors have led to dissatisfaction, mediation and now exploration of a new provider, according to Solvang.

“The council and residents deserve to know what the city is receiving, the level of service and accountability for the investment being made. Tonight we’re asking for the authority to find out whether there is a better path,” said Olivia Uribe-Mutal, assistant to the city manager in Solvang. 

The current contract expires June 30, 2027, but has three one-year options, providing some time for the analysis.

City Manager Randy Murphy said Solvang doesn’t have a problem with the sheriff’s deputies serving the community, adding that the issue is “we don’t believe we’re getting what we’re paying for.”

Solvang pays $3.4 million annually for 5.5 full-time equivalent positions — ensuring one deputy in the city around the clock — for basic law enforcement service from the Sheriff’s Office. Solvang also pays for a fraction of a sergeant, lieutenant and commander positions.

The cost has increased 107% in the past 10 years for the same baseline services. In recent years, the city has seen annual hikes as high as 19% and 23% with the trajectory being inconsistent and accelerating.

“That’s what’s driving this discussion,” Murphy said, adding that he and Lompoc Police Chief Kevin Martin have had frank discussions.

“He assures me that we will get way more value than we’re currently getting from the sheriff’s department,” Murphy said. “And again, it’s not due to any individual within the sheriff’s department; it’s just the way they’ve got it set up.”

Councilman Mark Infanti said he had many questions about the details, such as the costs of vehicles, equipment and other startup costs.

“It also includes, I presume, using the Lompoc Jail,” Infanti said. “I can think of a dozen different things that are going to be part of this.”

The Lompoc department, serving a city of 44,000, is authorized to have 51 sworn police officers plus 24 other staff, Martin said. The department operates with a $9 million annual budget, the chief said.

“Comparatively, we could have a third of his department working in the city of Solvang for the same money,” Murphy said.

“That pencils, but I want to make sure we do due diligence … and we go through the details to make sure we know we’re getting either equivalent or improved services,” Councilwoman Elizabeth Orona said. “It sounds like we will.

“My main concern with where we’re at today is not just cost, but there’s a lack of data, there’s no apparent innovation, no efficiency.”

The police chief later clarified the budget numbers mentioned during the meeting do not represent the entire cost of operations.

“To clarify, the annual operating budget of the Lompoc Police Department is approximately $18 million. The smaller values mentioned in recent articles do not represent the full cost of operations for our department,” he added.

Martin encouraged the council members to check out the annual report his agency provides along with monthly reports.

Once Lompoc’s proposal is completed, Martin said, he would return with details that likely would answer many of the questions raised Tuesday. 

“This is really about cost. We will have all those numbers put together so you can make an educated decision for your community as to how you want to proceed forward in the future,” Martin said. “The most difficulty we’ll have is getting the staff hired based on what numbers we agree upon.”

While hiring in law enforcement had been difficult a few years ago, Martin said the agency has candidates applying for his agency’s vacancies.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a problem. It’s just timing in how we do it,” Martin added.

Later in the week, Martin said his agency would continue to work collaboratively with the regional partners and neighboring communities.

“I am committed to providing accurate information while ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility as the evaluation process for these potential services moves forward,” Martin added Friday.