Ceres, CA. Wal-Mart Should Pay for Increased Police Force

Make Wal-Mart pay for extra officers [Modesto Bee (Calif.)]

It’s unclear why the city of Ceres didn’t have an adequate general fund for safety personnel. Ceres wouldn’t have been able to hire the required police officers to keep our community safe, according to FBI standards, if Measure H hadn’t passed. Measure H, the half-cent sales tax increase, passed because the safety of citizens, police officers and firefighters is important to our community.

With a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter near Highway 99 that will be open 24-7, Ceres residents can expect an increased need for police, firefighters and other safety personnel at the south end of town. When the economic study for the supercenter comes before the public, possibly in May, I will be interested to learn how the city addresses the needs and costs associated with supplying adequate safety personnel.

Ceres shouldn’t be without coverage, nor have to pay for additional safety personnel required for the supercenter. Will Wal-Mart be asked to mitigate these extra costs, and maybe reduce store hours to prevent crime late at night? This way, the limited funds generated by Measure H will continue to support public safety and Ceres can remain vigilant against gangs and drugs.

LINDA HAWTHORNE

Ceres

Posted by Alex Goldschmidt on Tuesday, April 29, 2008

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