Gardena May Drop Police Force to Ease Budget Woes

A budget shortfall is stirring tension in Gardena, where city officials are exploring the possibility of hiring outside contractors to provide public services, including law enforcement.

City Manager Ken Landau said the city is still trying to recover from a $3.5-million deficit during the 1995-96 fiscal year and is examining ways to cut costs. He said eliminating the 90-member police department could save the city millions of dollars because the agency’s budget accounts for nearly one-third of the $29-million general fund.

Last year, the city increased its ambulance-transport and business license fees, closing the budget gap by $1 million, Landau said. Over the years, he said, the city has been able to save money by contracting with the county for animal control, trash collection and tree trimming.

“We want to provide the best services to residents with the least cost to taxpayers,” said Landau.

Members of the Gardena Police Officers Assn. say they are “adamantly opposed” to the proposal. Association president Edward Medrano contends that the city is taking action against the police because the department organized a political action committee to speak out against the budgetary problems and endorse candidates in the upcoming election.