MR. BRYANT provided background information from the January 6 meeting regarding a personnel proposal from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department.
Mr. Bryant advised that there are currently three patrol cars assigned to District Three and the Sheriff is proposing the eliminate two of the cars unless the townships are willing to pay the cost.
Mr. Bryant stated the Board directed the Township Administrator to contact Sycamore and Columbia Townships in order to determine what action they will be taking.
MR. BECKMAN reported he has spoken with these Townships. Sycamore has agreed to continued with 1/2 car with the sharing of this cost with another Township. Columbia Township will be meeting tonight to make its decision.
Mr. Beckman stated that the projected cost is $75,000.00. Therefore, the minimum expenditure would be $25,000 (sharing with both Townships) and the maximum would be $37,500.00 (sharing only with Sycamore). This amount would be less if the commitment was for only six months.
Mr. Beckman further stated that Sycamore Township is only authorizing this additional expenditure for up to six months only. This decision was based on the fact that the Sheriff has indicated he might have additional funding later in the year.
Mr. Beckman recommended that the Board combine with Sycamore Township for this patrol car.
MR. BRYANT questioned how the breakdown of this car's time would be divided among the Townships.
MR. BECKMAN stated the patrol car would be used where needed instead of being divided equally.
MR. BRYANT noted that there is money in the Budget for a resource officer and these funds could become available for a patrol car after the annexation is finalized. This officer could be kept in the Township as a full-time officer.
MR. BECK questioned if the deadline was still this Friday.
MR. BECKMAN advised that the Sheriff will start to lay-off officers if he has not heard from the Townships. The other Townships are waiting for Symmes to make a decision.
MR. BECK questioned if how the Fiscal Officer feels about this additional expenditure.
MR. BRYANT noted that Mr. Borchers had indicated at the last meeting that the Township's Budget could handle this cost now, but it would be expended from a fund which is dwindling and a levy would be needed sooner than anticipated.
MR. BECK stated that residents expect a certain level of service and that the Board should proceed with this sharing of a patrol car with the other two Townships. Mr. Beck further stated that the Board needs to take action immediately when the high school annexation is approved.
MR. BRYANT stated he agreed with this statement. The Sheriff is trying to find ways to meet his budget and it appears that safety in Hamilton County is taking the blunt end of these cuts. Mr. Bryant further stated that he hopes the Sheriff will be acting to find additional funds so as not to penalize public safety.
MR. BECKMAN advised the Sheriff has stated that, when additional money is available, he would direct that funding be used in those Townships willing to pick up an additional cost.
MR. BRYANT moved that the Board expend funds to supplement the cost of a patrol car in District Three and that said expenditure shall not exceed $20,000.00 and shall be effective until July 31, 2009. Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.
The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
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Minutes
