Lori Johnson: Atwater voted for better protection, but the extra tax money was wasted

Four years ago, Atwater voters passed a good-faith effort to fund public safety. It was, primarily, approved to shore up our under-staffed and under-funded police department. By law, the city manager was required to appoint an oversight committee.

Immediately, the foxes took over the hen house. All the committee members turned out to be card-carrying members of the good ol’ boys club. Their first meeting was held in secret behind closed doors, violating California open-meeting disclosure laws. Then the committee approved the purchase of an unneeded fire truck, instead of critically needed police equipment. They justified that purchase with a claim of reduced fire insurance rates in the future and fulfilling Atwater’s quest for multi-story businesses – neither of which has ever occurred.

Most disappointing, since the committee has met only once this year, there is little oversight taking place. So taxpayers’ money is at risk for unintended expenditures, and Atwater’s financial slide continues.

This story was originally published September 21, 2017 at 3:34 PM with the headline "Lori Johnson: Atwater voted for better protection, but the extra tax money was wasted."