Commission backs recommendation asking council to secure stable $3M funding for sobering center

The Public Safety Commission voted unanimously on July 6 to approve Commissioner Rutan’s recommendation that the commission ask the city manager and city council to secure stable funding for the sobering center at the FY baseline level of $3,000,000.

The recommendation asks the city to preserve the center’s existing level of funding (not an increase) and to work with the sobering center and city staff to identify consistent funding mechanisms so the program does not face annual uncertainty. Commissioner Rutan framed the recommendation as a continuity and stabilization measure following the center’s operational presentations; the motion was seconded and passed without opposition.

Chair Duran called for the vote and recorded the motion as approved. Commissioners noted the recommendation was intended to allow the sobering center to focus on service delivery rather than annual funding uncertainties. The commission’s action is a recommendation to council and does not itself appropriate funds; council action would be required to change budget allocations.