Small Dollars Go a Long Way

COLUSA, CA (MPG) – While Colusa officials work to show Colusa residents the benefits of the Measure B sales tax boost, they hope voters will make permanent in 2026, even a small allotment toward public safety is putting much needed equipment in the hands of police officers and firefighters.

City officials reported most of the $1.2 million revenue generated from the 1% sales tax increase in 2023/24 was spent on road and park improvements. The Colusa police and fire departments, awarded 2% by the Citizens Oversight Committee, received about $24,000 each.

While the amount is small in comparison, public safety officials said their allocations were helpful, given the needs of both departments.

The Colusa Police Department used its Measure B funds to buy five new Getac computers and associated mounting hardware, officials said.

Colusa Chief of Police Josh Fitch said that in-car computers, which enable officers to access police department records and DMV databases, are commonly used tools in modern law enforcement.

“The Colusa County Sheriff’s Department, who handles our dispatching, has recently upgraded their records management systems, finally making this project feasible,” Fitch said.

The City Council approved the purchase from Sutter Buttes Communications. While the $28,732 quote was about $1,328 higher than the lowest price available, Sutter Communications is the only west-coast provider of such equipment and is the city’s longtime supplier for police radios and equipment installations, Fitch said.

The new computers will also allow police officers to draft reports from all patrol cars, Fitch said.

The City Council also approved the Colusa Fire Department’s use of Measure B funds on four sets of new turnout gear for structural firefighting and one set of rescue gear for new volunteer firefighters.

“The Colusa Fire Department has recently welcomed three new volunteer firefighters who require essential protective gear to safely perform their duties,” said Fire Chief Logan Conley.

Conley said the department last year replaced all turnout gear for its members when they reached their 10-year shelf life, as required by California.

“Turnout gear is critical for structural firefighting, providing thermal protection, and ensuring firefighter safety, while rescue gear is essential for non-fire rescue operations such as vehicle extrications and technical rescues,” Conley said.

Conley reported the department has six full-time firefighters and 17 volunteers, including the three new members welcomed in February.

The City Council on March 4 approved the purchase of the new gear from Cascade Fire Equipment of Medford, Ore, at an estimated cost of $19,569.

Conley reported that total calls for fire service in January, mostly medical calls, increased by approximately 35.7% compared to the same time last year. Three Strike Team firefighters were deployed in January to help in controlling the Palisades Fire in the Los Angeles area.