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Saratoga's police-service town hall offers in-person and Zoom input Wednesday

Residents can question the two service options Sept. 30 before the council's planned Oct. 7 discussion on a long-term choice.

Saratoga Newsroom

September 30, 20261 min read

Saratoga residents will have two ways to weigh in on the city's police-service choice Wednesday, Sept. 30: attend a town hall at the Civic Theater or join the discussion online.

The 6 to 8 p.m. meeting comes one week before an Oct. 7 council discussion focused on choosing a long-term law-enforcement model. The city is comparing continued service from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office with a possible arrangement involving the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department. Its current information page says no decision has been made.

The Sept. 30 agenda adds practical details for participants. The mayor will facilitate a community question-and-answer session. In-person speakers get the first 45 minutes, followed by up to 45 minutes for remote speakers if needed. Participants are asked to keep comments concise and allow everyone an opportunity before speaking again.

The meeting takes place at the Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. The official agenda provides a Zoom link, webinar ID and telephone options. Residents can also submit written comments through the council's comments form.

The review follows a sharp change in policing costs. Saratoga says the county's proposed pricing method would raise annual costs for the same service level about 30%, or $2.9 million, to $11.6 million. In August, the council adjusted service hours toward an approximately $10.6 million annual target. Those figures are not a quoted price for the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno alternative.

Wednesday's recommended action is to listen to community input. The city's next listed council discussion is Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Theater.

Sources: Sept. 30 town hall agenda and participation details: https://www.saratoga.ca.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09302026-1481

City law-enforcement options and community survey: https://www.saratoga.ca.us/753/11297/Law-Enforcement-Services

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