Police contract cost questioned again
Police contract cost questioned again
By STU MERRY
The law enforcement contract between the City of Garrison and McLean County is going up again.
At the council’s regular meeting April 5, aldermen grumbled upon hearing the proposed police contract with McLean County will be up 3 percent, going from approximately $108,000 to $111,000. Noting that some city ordinances were not being enforced, council members wondered out loud if authorities are doing what they are being paid for.
After discussing the matter, the council agreed that it is optimistic an agreement can be worked out once a meeting is held with county officials. At the meeting, Garrison officials will ask that the contract be reduced to ¾. A final decision on the contract was put off until after the meeting takes place.
The city council has questioned the cost of law enforcement in the past. In 2006, the cost of 24-7 coverage went from $103,000 to $106,000. The cost has continued to increase. Council members say their concern remains about the amount of coverage given within city limits.
City officials understand that deputies are at times called out-of-town and that there are times of no law enforcement coverage in the community, but it boils down to enforcing city ordinances.
In other business at the April 5 meeting, the council:
•Agreed to put a lien on property owned by Schlehr Construction, Garrison; and Terry Bostow, Jim Veach and Richard Vreeland, all of Minot, for nonpayment of engineering fees on lots directly south of Highway 37 and west of the railroad tracks.
•Addressed a water bill matter with Dale Christensen.
•Approved liquor license transfers for Hometown Tavern (April 17, May 17, June 19, July 2).
•Rolled small dollar passbook accounts into larger cash accounts.
•Authorized cashing a trailer park CD to pay off a trailer park garage loan.
•Approved games of chance for Benedictine Living Center and American Legion Baseball.
•Reviewed building permits for Donald Steifel (storage shed); Tom Iglehart (re-issuance of permit); Ted Seidler (demolition permit); Mike Youngs (garage), and Shannon Jeffers (garage).
•Reviewed Planning and Zoning recommendations for a zoning change for Luke Steen (ag to single family dwelling).
•Approved spending $9,400 for a 2006 Chevrolet Uplander from Rensch’s. The vehicle will be used as a courtesy car for the Garrison Airport Authority.
Tabled action on a lease agreement with Dean Hayes on the old city landfill.
