Increased policing costs may tip Saratoga into a budget deficit

Saratoga is battling financial concerns as a pricey public safety contract with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office threatens to destabilize the budget they balanced last year.

At a city council retreat on Tuesday, Saratoga councilmembers received staff reports concerning a midyear financial update and new contract demands from the  sheriff’s office. The city is one of a few that contract their public safety needs to the county sheriff. Service levels have fluctuated over the years to accommodate community needs...