What's Happening in Lake Forest, CA…

A new patrol deputy is being added to the ranks of the city of Lake Forest for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This will increase the number of patrol deputies to 47.

News of such additions and their benefits is often distributed throughout a community with flyer printing.

This new deputy is part of a balanced budget adopted in June. Fiscal year 2025-2026 projected revenues are expected to be $85.2 million, while those for fiscal year 2026-2027 are projected to be $85 million.

Fiscal year 2025-2026 operating expenses are expected to be $94.3 million while those for fiscal year 2026-2027 are projected to be $86.3 million. The budget is still balanced as these expenses include funds allocated for infrastructure projects.

The city contracts with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement. This is a model that is used throughout South County that provides access to specialized regional policing units such as SWAT, air support, and highly trained traffic accident investigators, as well as cost efficiency.

The contract with the Sheriff’s Department for fiscal year 2025-2026 is $22,738,891. This is an increase of 6.45% over the law enforcement budget for last year. Hiring the new deputy and labor costs are the main factors for the increase.

The City Council is considering adding a second new deputy in the fiscal year of 2026-2027, pending approval of the budget.