REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Eric Parra, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Capt. Oscar Garcia
Subject:
title
Approve continued Be Well contracted services using funding within the 2025/26 approved budget
body
Statement of Issue:
Since 2021, the city has contracted with Be Well to provide services related to homelessness and other mental health issues. The collaboration with Be Well has had a positive outcome addressing the needs of those in crisis and at the same time addressing quality of life issues. Be Well has taken calls for service freeing police officers to allow them to be more proactive.
During the budget approval process, funding for contracted services was removed as part of a cost-saving strategy. However, following continued discussions with the Police Department and Be Well, it has been determined that services can continue at a reduced level to support public safety. The City Council is requested to approve the continuation of contracted services utilizing funding already included in the approved FY 2025/26 budget, as well as available funds from FY 2024/25.
Financial Impact:
City staff has identified available funds from the prior year’s contract, as well as departmental savings within the Police Department’s approved Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget, to fund the Be Well contract at a reduced level of service and reduced cost. The estimated cost for the reduced services is approximately $750K.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve the continuation of contracted services utilizing funding already included in the approved FY 2025/26 budget, as well as available funds from FY 2024/25.
end
Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
Be Well provides resources related to homelessness and mental health that result in long term solutions to quality-of-life issues. This collaboration increases public safety and ensures individuals receive the care they need before crises occur. In addition, this partnership enhances public safety by addressing mental health needs while freeing up officers to focus on crime prevention and enforcement.
The review of the services provided with Be Well could be continued by reducing the hours from 21 to 12 hours per day. This will provide coverage for the peak hours based on past years’ analysis. This will allow our officers to continue a proactive approach in dealing with crime prevention and a rapid response to calls for service.
Environmental Status:
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections
15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change
in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the
CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for
resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 8 - Public Safety, Strategy A - Community-wide comprehensive risk reduction program to optimize public safety's emergency response and reduce the number of calls.
For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan
Attachment(s):
None