COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Christopher Williams, Chief of Police
DATE: August 4, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with the Santa Maria Public Airport District for Supplemental Law Enforcement Services
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving an agreement with the Santa Maria Public Airport District (Airport District) for supplemental law enforcement services at the Santa Maria Public Airport.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving an agreement with the Santa Maria Public Airport District for supplemental law enforcement services; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee , to execute the agreement and approve future administrative amendments, extensions, or modifications consistent with the Agreement.
BACKGROUND:
From June 2003 through August 31, 2017, the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) provided law enforcement services at the S anta Maria Public Airport. Those services included Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint staffing, proactive patrol, and response to calls for service throughout Airport property. The Airport District is located within the City of Santa Maria and falls within the City's jurisdiction.
Following discussions between City staff and the Airport District, both agencies determined it was in their mutual interest to re -establish this long -standing partnership.
The proposed agreement restores a dedicated law enforcement presence at the Airport, enhances public safety and service delivery, and ensures the City is fully compensated for providing those services.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed agreement establishes an initial three-year term beginning August 4, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with an automatic two -year renewal unless terminated or amended by the parties.
2 Under the agreement, SMPD will provide sworn officers to satisfy TSA law enforcement officer requirements for scheduled commercial passenger departures while also providing proactive patrols, responding to crimes and calls for service, conducting investigations, and coordinating with Airport management, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and TSA as appropriate.
The agreement also recognizes that commercial flight schedules may change over time.
If flight frequency or operating hours increase to a level requiring additional staffing, the parties will renegotiate the staffing model and compensation to ensure continued full cost recovery. Special events, such as air shows, emergency exercises, or other extraordinary events requiring additional staffing, are specifically excluded from the base agreement and will be separately negotiated.
The Airport District Board has reviewed and approved the proposed agreement. City staff recommends approval so services may commence in accordance with the agreed implementation schedule.
Fiscal Considerations
The Airport District will compensate the City $265,500 during the first year of the agreement. Beginning in year two, compensation will increase by five percent annually to offset increases in personnel, administrative, equipment, and operating costs. The Airport District may remit payment annually or in two equal installments.
The agreement provides full cost recovery to the City and will fund one additional full-time sworn police officer position, including associated overtime and operational support costs, while eliminating the administrative bur den of the detailed monthly reconciliations required under prior Airport agreements. The Airport District also remains responsible for TSA/FAA-required training expenses, Airport -owned patrol vehicle costs, and other expenses specifically identified in the agreement.
By entering into this agreement, the Airport District agrees to pay the City of Santa Maria:
1. Year one (1): $265,500.00
2. Year two (2): $278,775.00
3. Year three (3): $292,713.75
3 Impact on the Community
Approval of this agreement will enhance public safety by providing a consistent law enforcement presence at the Santa Maria Public Airport, supporting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security requirements, improving the quality and timeliness of responses to calls for service, and strengthening coordination between the City and the Airport District. Maintaining safe, secure, and efficient commercial air service benefits residents, visitors, local businesses, and the region's overall economic vitality.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Agreement for Supplemental Law Enforcement Services