Town board tables police department proposal

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August 15, 2012

Town board tables police department proposal

By Denise Richardson Staff Writer The Daily Star Wed Aug 15, 2012, 03:30 AM EDT

WEST ONEONTA -- After hearing comments lasting about 45 minutes, the Oneonta Town Board took no action Tuesday night to conduct a formal study of forming a police department.

Instead, the board decided that residents will be surveyed on the issue of public safety when the Comprehensive Plan Committee conducts its survey.

About 10 of 25 people attending the meeting in Town Hall spoke on the public safety issue, with most opposing the idea of forming a police department. Factors addressed included the rate of crime in the town, the cost of services and training, and whether any town-run law enforcement was needed. The goal of keeping taxes down was reiterated.

Several speakers opposed any change while the town remains the subject of legal review by the Public Employment Relations Board on complaints filed by two former constables.

Supervisor Robert Wood asked if the board would support him with a motion to conduct a study of the costs for the town to have a police department versus its current constabulary. As chief financial officer for the town, Wood said he soon will begin working on the 2013 budget.

But no motion was made.

The status of the constabulary has been before the town board for several years, and the board's Public Safety Committee this year has heard from law enforcement professionals about costs, training and related issues.

Wood said the town could have a police department for about the same cost of a constabulary. However, questions remain about insurance and retirement costs.

After the meeting, Wood said he would check into the insurance and retirement costs for a police department as he prepares the budget.

The town budgets $75,000 for its constable's office, Wood said.

The town has one full-time constable, Jeffrey Robinson, and recently hired a part-time constable. The town awaits word from the Public Employment Relations Board on a wrongful termination complaint filed by two former constables.

"This is not the time to establish a police department," former town board member Anna Marie Lusins-McLachlan said Tuesday night. "It's costly."

An unaddressed need is law enforcement coverage around Fortin Park, she said, suggesting a substation be opened in that part of town for state police and deputies.