Modesto mayor to hold brainstorming session on public safety

MODESTO -- Mayor Garrad Marsh is asking the community to brainstorm ideas and solutions on the city's fire and police service levels.

A citizens forum on public safety will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday in the lower level of Modesto Centre Plaza.

Police and fire services account for about 70 percent of the general fund. With crime rates rising and response times to fire calls diminishing — both to levels unacceptable to the City Council — the mayor is asking the community to rally together to generate ideas and solutions, according to a news release.

A second forum will take place after Jan. 1; all information gathered will be presented and firm priorities developed for recommendation to the City Council. This information will create the backbone of the city's next strategic plan.

Friday's forum is open to the public, but seating is limited.

To learn more, call the office of the mayor and City Council at (209) 571-5169 or e-mail Kathy Espinoza, executive assistant to the mayor and council, at kespinoza1@modestogov.com.