Report 2020-804 Recommendation 10 Responses

Report 2020-804: City of Lindsay: It Must Take Substantial Action to Address Its Financial Problems and Its Inadequate Management Practices (Release Date: August 2021)

Recommendation #10 To: Lindsay, City of

To ensure that Lindsay's public safety model still meets the city's needs, Lindsay should evaluate the effectiveness of using a combined police and fire department by August 2022 and make any necessary changes.

6-Month Agency Response

On February 8, 2022, the Interim Chief of Police presented to the City Council a presentation titled "Lindsay Department of Public Safety: Reorganization Proposal" along with a document titled "Fire Analysis and Recommendations" (jointly included as Exhibit F) which outline the City's commitment to separate police and fire personnel as soon as financial resources allow.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Fully Implemented

Lindsay has evaluated its combined police and fire department and determined that separate personnel are more appropriate. As budget resources allow, it plans to implement this change.


60-Day Agency Response

The City is committed to a return to separate police and fire personnel as soon as financial resources allow.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending

The city's commitment has not been formalized by the city council. City staff explained that they expect the city council to formalize these separate positions in January 2022. Until the city does so, we will continue to report this recommendation as not fully implemented.


All Recommendations in 2020-804

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.