CC 2020-06-23_10a Supplemental No 2
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JESSICA MATSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM 10a – JUNE 23, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2020-21 BUDGET
DATE: JUNE 23, 2020
Attached is additional correspondence received.
cc: Acting City Manager
Administrative Services Director
City Attorney
City Clerk
City Website (or public review binder)
From: Lucia X [
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2020 1:54 PM
Subject: Defund the police!
Dear Mayor Caren Russom and Arroyo Grande City Council
My name is Lucia. I am writing to demand that the Arroyo Grande City Council adopt a city budget that prioritizes
community well-being, and redirects funding away from the police.
In 2019, the City of Arroyo Grande allocated $6,950,000 dollars to our police system, an inordinate 39% of our total
budget. This is much higher than the amount of money allocated towards community development ($1,926,900) and
affordable housing development ($0). Next year, the city estimates that there will be deficits as a result of the
pandemic. The city may recoup these funds by decreasing the police budget.
I demand that the City Council begin meaningfully defunding the Arroyo Grande Police Department and re-allocate
those funds to programs proven to more effectively promote a safe and equitable community. We need funding for
community-based mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, affordable housing programs, not
police. I demand a budget that reflects the actual needs of Arroyo Grande residents.
History has shown that police “reform” is not enough. No more money, and more importantly, no more lives must be
lost to police. We must take a hard look at the way the current system in place fails to serve-and in fact actively
harms-our community, and come together to reimagine the role of police in our city.
I am urging you to completely revise the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, and to invest in the people, not the
police.
Thank you for your time,
Lucia