by Yucheng Tang
posted March 19
The Chico City Council voted 5-2 March 18 “to seek out funding” for the purchase of classified military equipment.
Councilmembers Bryce Goldstein and Katie Hawley were the votes in opposition. City Manager Mark Sorensen said the purchase remains uncertain until more discussion and budget deliberations take place.
“I did not see a justification for the expenses that would benefit the community,” Goldstein told ChicoSol. “I’m committed to the values I ran my campaign on, including supporting proactive methods of increasing safety rather than militarization.”
A community engagement meeting on Chico PD’s use of military equipment will take place at 6 p.m. March 31 in the Old Municipal Building.
Chico Police Department will present the 2024 Military Equipment Use Annual Report and the proposed Military Equipment Use Policy at that time.
“This meeting provides an important opportunity for citizens to learn about the department’s inventory and use of military equipment …” states a Chico PD press release.
The meeting precedes a required hearing on April 15, when the City Council will review the proposed policy and decide whether to approve it. The policy is posted to the City website, and includes the proposed purchase of drones, Bolt Action Rifles and other items.
Yucheng Tang covers Chico City Council for ChicoSol. Contact him with story tips at: tangyucheng516@gmail.com