City to consider eliminating police department & contracting with sheriff for services

Wed, 05/23/2012 - 9:06am — John Embry

Morgantown Mayor Linda Keown said the city is looking at "all options" when it comes to the issue of whether or not to consider eliminating the city's police department in favor of contracting with the Butler County Sheriff's Department for polices services inside city limits. However, the mayor is quick to point out that these deliberations are only in the preliminary stage and the city is not close to making a decision on this sensitive issue.

"We've started asking questions and looking at options," said Keown, "just like the school system and other organizations are having to do in these difficult times."

The mayor continued,"The city has infrastructure breaking down and equipment needs … and we're looking at ways to make those things happen. We're trying not to raise taxes."

The Morgantown Police Department (MPD) has five full-time officers (including Chief Billy Phelps) and one part-time position. According to April 2012 numbers, the MPD costs approximately $483,200 annually to operate - a figure that includes retirement and hazardous duty pay (20-year retirement) for officers.

Mayor Keown said she and the council are currently studying the issue to see whether or not it is feasible for the city.

Although many details would have to be worked out, the general arrangement would have the city entering into a contract with the county for the Butler County Sheriff's Department to provide police services within city limits. According to Butler County Judge-Executive David Fields, Fiscal Court would need to approve the measure. It is unclear how the assets of the city police department would be managed or exactly what the annual cost would be for the city. However, Mayor Keown, based on preliminary numbers, believes there could be "considerable savings" for the city.

The Butler County Sheriff's Department has six full-time officers and one part-time officer in addition to Sheriff Scottie Ward.

Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward

Sheriff Ward, who said he has had one brief conversation with Mayor Keown about the subject, indicated he is definitely willing to explore the issue but that he is fine with whatever decision the city ultimately makes.

"I have no opinion on the matter either way," said Ward, who stressed that he is not advocating for or against a possible contract with the city.

According to Sheriff Ward and Mayor Keown, preliminary figures suggest that the city would have to pay the county approximately $280,000 annually - enough to pay all expenses for four full-time officers. This figure includes salary, insurance, county retirement, uniforms, tires, etc. With the approximate $483,200 it takes to currently operate the MPD for a year, the city would see an annual estimated savings of around $200,000.

"It would give both the city and county more police coverage," said Ward, referring to the four new full-time positions his department would have.

Keown stressed that while financial considerations are important, maintaing public safety in Morgantown was also a top priority. "24-7 police protection would be absolutely maintained," said Keown. Ward agreed that around-the-clock police coverage would be a priority under any proposed arrangement.

Nevertheless, Mayor Keown cautioned that no official proposal and decision is imminent.

"No decision has been made, police funding is still in our budget," said Keown. "We're just making calls, doing homework and looking at this issue." The mayor said council members are involved in this process, as well.

"We're learning where to look but nothing is in the pipeline."

Mayor Keown said other communities across the state have entered into similar agreements and that her and council members are trying to look at towns similar to Morgantown.

"Big crunches are coming and any big organization has to look at all options," said Keown. "We have to get creative or taxes will have to be raised - that's why we're exploring all options."

The mayor praised the council and said she always tries to be "very open" with them on all issues. "We have a good council that works hard together, does their homework, and asks the tough questions."

The mayor gave no time-frame on any potential decision but indicated that the council will continue to study the issues over the coming months.

* * *

Story by John Embry, Beech Tree News.

Tags:

news

Comments

Submitted by Hilda Meredith (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 10:01am

I feel there must be some other options available as to cost cutting without removing the city police department. The sheriffs department is already stretched to the max without adding the city onto them.

Submitted by Thomas Green (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 10:16am

Read the story again ... there going to add 4 more officers ....

Submitted by Allen Meredith (not verified) on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 1:47am

No they are cutting 1 full time officer and 1 part time officer and moving the other 4 officers to the county. Still leaves less police for the coverage of city and county...

Submitted by Thomas Green (not verified) on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 5:06pm

YES, they are adding 4 more officers to the sheriffs department

Submitted by Thomas Green (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 10:14am

I don't get it? How can the sheriff provide for the city of Morgantown for 200,000 dollars less? Them Morgantown cops must have been making pretty good money... Or they don't pay the sheriffs deputies very well...

Submitted by james brown (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 10:32am

if scottie can do this for $ 200,000 less why cant the city

Submitted by Andrew Gidcumb (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 10:41am

This is such a bad idea, the mayor and some of the council are not looking at this at this wisely. Scotty Ward is a good sheriff but he will not always be in office. Getting rid of a Police Dept is easy starting one back up is very difficult. Also what about all the equiptment, if the S O destorys the equiptment, are they going to replace it?? She thinks you can just stop a police dept and Hazard duty goes away , she is wrong,the KY hazzard duty retirement board has said when the Police Dept comes back so does Hazzard Duty. Any elected officails who would be willing to do away with the security of their city by disolving their Police Dept is not looking towards the future safety of the citizens of our Comunity. I urge everyone to come to the Council meeting on the 14 of June!!!!

Submitted by Jason Shumway (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 11:51am

I personally think this conversion will happen. It will be good in many different ways i.e. eliminating some bad apples, cost reduction and the list goes on! As far as Hazardous Duty pay goes, I often wondered why MPD gets it anyway. Before anyone jumps all over my OPINION allow me to ask the following questions. Who finds/disassembles nearly all of the Meth Labs in the county? BCSD would be my first thought. Who serves the most felony warrants? BCSD would be my first thought. Andy does make a good argument as to the slim possibility of having to rebuild a PD some day although I personally think it would not be that big of an issue. I would hope some strict regulations will be set forth prior to such an extreme measure (One Law Enforcement Agency) to prevent a "Kenneth Morris & Ronnie Burden Corruption Regime." If two small entities at the time could do what was done then just imagine what one large department could do! Best of luck to all involved in this decision.

Submitted by dale willis (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 10:57am

I cannot believe this is even be considered, why not let the county run 1st district, Has anybody thought about no city seat, no city police, just let the judge and all magistrates run it 100% look at how much money we can save. that is what this is all about, right?

Submitted by Betty L. Southerland (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 12:54pm

If we can't maintain a police dept., then I think we should eliminate the need for a mayor and city council.

Submitted by Sandra Martin (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 4:54pm

I agree!!!!

Submitted by Pat Lawrence (not verified) on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 7:35am

I agree with Betty Southerland. Why pay the mayor or the city council. Then the city would have lots of money.

Submitted by Rich Ellis (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 1:47pm

I maybe wrong but I thought just a month ago when the council was figuring there salaries that the city was doing better financially than they have in a while. So if that is true I don't really see what the big issue is with keeping the police department. I can't phantom a city without its own police force, I couldn't imagine the mayor and council wanting to be the ones who made it happen. I also don't feel that they should have the power to make such a executive decision on there own, maybe a entire town vote is required. I think they should really think about this, not only are they showing the officers that work for them for alittle of nothing how they feel about them, I don't think they are thinking about the ramifications that could come from this. Who's to say the next sheriff and council get along, the mayor and council won't have no authority on any matter in the city. I think they just should think about the careers these guys have started and worked to be in before they think about just taking it all away. Craziest topic I've ever heard of. Local businessman Rich Ellis.

Submitted by Amber McIntosh (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 2:05pm

Oh yes! A little over $12 / hr is great to have a bullseye on your back 24/7. As for the openess of the city council we had to hear through The grapevine that My husband may be unemployed.

Submitted by Todd Porter (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 2:58pm

This would be a huge step in the wrong direction for Morgantown. At the last city council meeting the mayor discussed an "advanced training" she attended with other city officials around the state. According to that training, the primary purpose of city government, in regards to creating jobs is to,"provide a safe and secure environment which encourages industry to locate." What kind of message does this send to companies considering Morgantown as an option? Towns like Smiths Grove (pop.800), Auburn (pop.1400), and Adairville (pop. 900) all have police departments. Why do Morgantown officials feel they can't continue funding a police department? Because they have messed up priorities. Typically, public safety is the last area in which cuts are considered, but not here. I don't know why the great men currently working for MPD do what they do for so little money and so much uncertainty. They deserve a huge amount of respect but seem to only have to listen to ridiculous comments like, "I don't know why they get hazardous duty retirement." Good luck guys and keep in mind, BGPD is always hiring certified officers.

Submitted by Richard Spiekhout (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 6:25pm

Great idea. One step on the road to a metro govt. WE don't need 2 police Depts. Don't need a city council and fiscal court. Don't need a mayor and a judge. city and county road depts etc. etc. Do you buy 2 Home owners insurance policies. 2 auto insurance policies, 2 cars for each family member. 2 houses. eat supper twice a day? of course not. I think you would say that these things are stupid. You're right, but we do it at the city county level.

Submitted by james brown (not verified) on Thu, 05/24/2012 - 9:36pm

we dont have 2 police dept. one is an electid office the other is city police dept

Submitted by Richard Spiekhout (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 6:27pm

OP.S. Wounder why we have a county jail but no city jailo? Duh!!

Submitted by Mark Coleman (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 6:44pm

Excellent proposal. I would be in favor all of the morgantown deputies being added to the sheriffs dept. The savings could be used in other areas of need in the city.

Submitted by Laurie Daugherty (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 9:29pm

I didn't grow up in Butler county or Morgantown but the place I did grow up at was considerably bigger and we didn't have a city police department and they still do not have one there the county sheriff takes care of all of the needs for the county and city!! I'm not saying that the officers should loose their jobs but this should be looked at from all sides!

Submitted by Chad Johnson (not verified) on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 11:00pm

As a business owner in the city of morgantown i think that we need both the city police and sheriffs dept. I think we have a great sheriff and deputys as well as a great city police, we as citizens pay taxs for police fire and other departments to function. If we dont need the city police then why do we need the city council and a mayor? Im sure the mayor wouldnt want to dicuss that matter.As a sucessful Business owner i think that our city government has to be ran like a business to be sucessful and grow and prosper! I believe that cuts in spending and budgets should be looked at in other areas of the city .What is most important, The safety of our Citizens and children or doing away with our city police? Think about it you only truley dont get the true understanding until you or someone in your family needs a police officer for what every reason, then you want them there asap! As Martin Luther King once said "I have a dream " Well I have a dream that all our community will come together as one and for the betterment of our community, Im saying some of our city leaders are doing nothing but using there positions for personal gain. Its time to do whats right and do the job you were elected to do! This is a very serous matter that will affect everyone in our community and most of all the children who are the future of our community. Chad Johnson City Business Owner

Submitted by Morgan Phelps (not verified) on Thu, 05/24/2012 - 1:45pm

I'm all for the idea. Plenty of places have only one police department. It streamlines cost, expands coverage, and eliminates inter-departmental bureaucracy. Las Vegas, Nashville, Lexington all have single county/city departments.

Submitted by Barry G. Embry (not verified) on Thu, 05/24/2012 - 4:08pm

Who is going to tell Scotty Ward that he cannot protect the city limits of morgantown when he protects the entire county. nobody looses their job, just swap the city uniforms for butler county sheriffs uniforms and bank the $200,000.00

Submitted by Allen Meredith (not verified) on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 12:24am

I am not sure how eliminating 1 full time and 1 part time position would save the city $200,000.00 a year. Essentially that is what seems to be proposed when transferring four of the 5 full time and 1 part positions to the county and paying $280,000.00 per year to the county. I am also curious as to What infrastructure construction and equipment purchases are causing this to be necessary? I would also be interested on how this will affect city patrol. Will the county match time spent patrolling the city with what the city police have done in the past? How will city officer seniority be affected with county officer seniority. Will city officers be retained in the county force if the sheriff loses the next election? Are the city benefits and county benefits compatible? These officers put their lives on the line every day. I am not convinced that this change is necessary or wise. In times of emergency and need the fast response of our police force is priceless.... =

Submitted by Jim McIntosh (not verified) on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 7:25am

I find it very amazing that when Charley Black was Mayor, the City Council (Linda Keown) continuously questioned the Mayor Salary and the City Council salary. At that time, there was always someone at the table to oppose any drastic cuts in the two. Was the same way when Eva Hawes became Mayor. Again city council (Linda Keown) continually questioned the Mayor salary, done comparisons to cities like Bowling Green, claiming that Morgantown's Mayor made more than them. Now the shoe is on the other foot....and instead of saving the city money by cutting their salary....they are going after the police dept. What's 15% cut for the next incumbent? All that will do is discourage someone from running against them.

Submitted by Carolyn Alexander (not verified) on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 10:12am

I agree with Chad. This city needs the SO and Police Dept. for the simple fact that if someonw was to break into my home i dont want to wait forever for the police to show up. For goodness sake the children in town need the city police for their protection. I dont see much of the SO running the streets of morgantown all hrs, I see the city police more. The SO should be for the county and the city police for the city. The mayor and city council needs worry about getting more jobs in this town!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Jason Shumway (not verified) on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 3:05pm

I see absolutely NO mention of where the infamous 4 new deputies would come from! My guess would be that Sheriff Ward would consider some of the current MPD officers but there is nothing in what I have read that states the current officers will automatically become the new Deputies! Maybe I have over looked something but as I have already stated: There is no guarantee that any of the current officers will have continued employment if the change is made.

Submitted by John E. Chandler (not verified) on Sat, 05/26/2012 - 12:05am

They should look into ELIMINATING the over paid figurehead job of Mayor that serves no pupose except to take up space and waste taxpayer money!

Submitted by pam phelps (not verified) on Sun, 05/27/2012 - 1:28pm

Linda was elected Mayor of our town by our own citizens. I am sure that she is looking @ different options to save our town money and expense. I can not imagine that she plans to hurt has our city's, her own hometown, ability to be safe. Noone is going to be happy with whatever decision she makes. There will always be people who criticize public officials. Our job as citizens is to respect the positions of those that hold it, and trust that their decisions are made with the best intentions with the information they have.