AGENDA
ITEM
15 Agenda
CALEXICO California Item
WHERE CALIFORNIA AND MEXICO MEET
15 CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: July 2, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
REVIEWED BY: Armando Orozco, Interim City Manager/Police Chief A0 PREPARED BY: Armando Orozco, Interim City Manager/Police Chief e SUBJECT: Action Report for Implementation of a Revised Procedure for Scheduling Funeral Processions.
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RECOMMENDATION:
Action Report for Implementation of a Revised Procedure for Scheduling Funeral Processions.
BACKGROUND:
The Calexico Police Department has historically assisted with funeral processions upon request from residents. This process has required families to coordinate directly with the Police Department in the days leading up to the funeral. While the Department remains committed to providing this compassionate service, the current method of last-minute scheduling has led to ongoing challenges related to personnel assignments, conflicting pre-scheduled events, and administrative strain.
ISSUE IDENTIFIED:
It is not uncommon for residents to request funeral processions with limited notice, often just a few days prior to the service. Such short lead times place significant strain on police resources and disrupt previously scheduled operations. Moreover, families coping with the loss of a loved one are understandably overwhelmed and may be unaware of the need to coordinate directly with the Police Department-leading to added stress and uncertainty as to whether their request can be accommodated.
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS:
In reviewing past practices, the Police Department determined that working directly with funeral homes—who are already coordinating funeral arrangements weeks in advance—would provide a more structured and efficient process. Historically, this model was previously used and proved effective.
The Department has proposed reestablishing the practice of coordinating funeral processions through local funeral homes. Under this revised procedure:
• Funeral homes would contact the Police Department as part of their planning process to schedule processions.
• Associated fees would be included in the funeral service costs and billed to the families by the funeral home.
• The City would invoice funeral homes on a monthly basis for reimbursement. • This system would streamline communication and reduce scheduling conflicts.
A meeting was scheduled to engage all local funeral homes on this proposed change. Only one funeral home participated in the meeting, and they expressed support for the revised approach.
BENEFITS:
• Enhances planning and coordination of police resources. • Reduces the burden on grieving families to coordinate directly. • Limits the number of parties the Police Department must engage with-from dozens of individual residents to a few consistent funeral home contacts. • Promotes efficiency without increasing costs or altering existing fees.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None. There are no changes to the fee structure or cost of service. The new process only affects the method of scheduling and payment collection.
CONCLUSION:
The proposed change represents a practical and compassionate improvement to the way funeral processions are scheduled and managed. By working directly with funeral homes, the City can ensure timely and respectful services while maintaining operational efficiency.
Please review and provide guidance on moving forward with these proposed strategies.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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