Fri Jul 30 2010
Don Gadd
Mayor of Byesville
This article is being posted late Monday evening, which means we have now had our council meeting on whether or not to abolish the Byesville Police Department. After a deadlock vote of 3-to-3, I cast the deciding vote to pass the measure. It has not been an easy time these last two months as we grappled with balancing the budget. But, after years of paring things down and moving things around just so we could make money for the salaries of the police department, we have came to the fork in the road. We just couldn't afford to pay them anymore.
No amount of gnashing of the teeth, wringing of hands or heated debate could stop what we had to do. I am sure there will be some backlash and letters, but we have to have balanced budget. I announced at the beginning of the meeting that two officers would be laid off tomorrow at the very least. As the administration, we have to be mindful of where the budget will be and with Pomegranate closing, the final nail was put in the coffin.
There were actually three issues to be voted on this evening. One was to abolish the police department, two was to create the position of marshal (required by Ohio Code in villages), and three was to contract with the sheriff for specific times in which we absolutely wanted a deputy in town.
On the first matter, it is self evident. The police department is no more; unless it is reinstated at some time in the future. Debate will continue as to whether that is cost effective and to what degree the sheriff provides service.
Secondly, the position of marshal will be created once again like John Reid was. The salary and amount of time to be on duty will be set at the next meeting by council. I will say that the position will be offered to the current Police Chief first.
Finally, the sheriff will be our new "policing" agent in the town. With or without a contract, it is his duty to now provide these services. Our aim at present is to offer a "basic plus" package. That is, we will augment the marshal's hours with additional hours to be provided by the sheriff with one of his deputies in this town exclusively.
To provide this additional man for the sheriff, the village will be paying via a contract to be negotiated out by the village solicitor, myself and representatives of the county. It may seem awkward at first but it is the reality we now have to deal with.
I have taken criticism for being too hard in protecting the police and too light on them. This is my job and I have learned to take the hits but in the final analysis, I have to do what I think is in the best interests of everyone and just having one policeman this year didn't seem like it was in the best interest of all concerned. It was a tough decision, but the challenges that lie ahead are better served with the direction we took tonight.
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