South bay cities face 35% spike in police costs, county demands payment

A financial showdown is unfolding in the South Bay as Santa Clara County is billing Saratoga, Cupertino, and Los Altos Hills for a 35% increase in police services, a move the cities are fiercely contesting. The escalating costs, according to the county, stem from rising operational expenses and technological upgrades, but local leaders argue the figures are inflated.

Cities challenge county's police bill, citing unexpected costs

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department has provided law enforcement services to the three cities since the 1950s. Now, the county is seeking roughly $15 million in additional funding for 2026, a figure that has blindsided city officials.

“We knew we were going to see an increase,” said Saratoga Mayor Chuck Page, who has served on the city council since 2006. “But five times what we were anticipating? That’s a significant jump.”

County Executive James Williams maintains the charge is solely for cost recovery, encompassing not just deputies’ salaries but also investigations, records, and other support functions. The dispute centers on overhead, not the cost of patrolling officers.

Saratoga is exploring alternatives, including contracting with another agency, but the city’s mayor questions the financial feasibility of creating its own police department.

Sheriff Robert Jonsen defended the increase, citing significant investments in technology and upgraded systems over the past decade. “It has become very expensive,” he stated. “We’ve upgraded a lot of systems. We’ve incorporated a lot of technology into law enforcement that just wasn’t there 10 years ago.”

The county and the cities have until June 30th to reach a resolution. Mayor Page expressed hope for a collaborative solution, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue to ensure public safety.

The city’s concern isn’t simply about the dollar amount; it’s about transparency. Saratoga wants a detailed breakdown of what it’s responsible for versus what the county is using – a critical step before considering budget cuts elsewhere.

The $15 million bill represents a substantial financial burden for the three cities, potentially forcing difficult choices about resource allocation. The county’s position is that these costs are essential to maintaining a high level of public safety in the region.

This disagreement highlights the growing strain on local government budgets as operational expenses continue to rise. The negotiation’s outcome will likely set a precedent for future cost-sharing agreements between the county and its municipalities.