Clovis Rodeo | ABC30 Fresno | abc30.com

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By ABC30

Friday, April 24, 2009

Fresno, CA This year you may notice more reserves, police Explorers and citizens on patrol. Actual officers are costing the rodeo association for the first time.

The action and excitement of qualifying is underway.

The crowds aren't packed in just yet, but the hay tables won't be bare for long.

Ticket sales are slightly up for this year's rodeo, that's the good news.

Because police presence is costing and rodeo directors are scrambling to make up the money. Part of what you'll see more of this year are non sworn officers on patrol.

"In the past we've had more officers working, this year we have a lot more volunteers who are working."

Rough budget times are forcing the police department to charge for (prepro) overtime costs for 61 officers. It amounts to $7600 hundred dollars, and after several days of negotiating, the police department is charging the rodeo association half or 38-hundred dollars.

"we know they're not doing it just to stick us with a bill. They're doing it because they can't help it and we'll make the best of it. That's all we can do."

Each year the rodeo association gives about 125 thousand dollars to 16-20 charities and non profit organizations around the valley.

"it will affect the giving. It can't help but affect the giving but we're going to do is try and pick up some other sponsors and move some money around and maybe we can get a couple more events in here and. "

Regardless, the rodeo and police department say the event is a showcase for the city and they want it to be affordable for everyone involved, including the people who put it on.

"in the case of the rodeo, it's the 95th rodeo here in town and it's a staple in the community and so it's something that obviously the city supports, it brings people into clovis, old town so it's a win win situation for everybody."

Every year the police department says they will evaluate the costs and decide how much to pass on.

Out here tonight, it's p-b-r night. The event starts at 7pm.