City manager: Buellton reviewing law-enforcement alternatives; due diligence underway

In his report the city manager told the council Buellton has been watching recent press about neighboring cities reviewing law‑enforcement contracts and said Buellton staff are conducting due diligence on potential alternatives to the county sheriff’s contract.

“I am not in a position at this point where I’m ready to bring anything to the city council. I’m still in a due diligence mode right now,” the city manager said, noting he has had preliminary discussions with Lompoc staff and the sheriff’s office and plans to return with more information during the summer when additional details are available.

The manager’s remarks were framed as an informational update; council members did not request immediate action and asked no substantive questions during the report. The manager also reminded the public of a Buellton Barbecue Bonanza community event planned for July 25 in Riverview Park.

Why it matters: any future change to law-enforcement service providers would be a major policy decision with operational, fiscal and public-safety implications. At this stage the city is gathering information and has not proposed a change.

What’s next: the city manager expects to bring a preliminary report later in the summer after collecting information from Lompoc and the county sheriff.