Norwalk, Sheriff's Department negotiate 5-year extension

Sheriff Alex Villanueva, center, and Norwalk city manager Jesus Gomez, right, in February 2019. Photo courtesy city of Norwalk.

NORWALK – Norwalk is poised to extend its contract with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services an additional five years.

Norwalk’s current deal with the Sheriff’s Department is due to expire June 30. The new contract, if approved by the City Council at its meeting tonight, would run through June 30, 2024.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Photo courtesy city of Norwalk

Under terms of the new deal, the cost for law enforcement services are budgeted at $12.6 million for fiscal year 2019-20, a 5% increase over the current year. Officials attributed the increased rates to rising wages and benefit costs.

Sheriff’s Department rates are set annually by the County of Los Angeles Auditor-Controller.

The new contract also includes language that requires the Sheriff’s Department to consult Norwalk’s city manager if deployment levels fall below 50 percent due to mutual aid purposes.

There is also language clarifying that, in the event of a dispute, Norwalk officials would first consult with the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station captain, division commander or division chief before going to the sheriff.

Norwalk also agreed to pay $48,685 to cover leasing and maintenance costs for Sheriff’s equipment in Public Safety vehicles. This will be financed by several Justice Assistance grants.