Bettsville to contract with sheriff's office

BETTSVILLE — During a meeting Tuesday, village residents approached the council with questions and opinions about the prospect of disbanding Bettsville Police Department and contracting Seneca county Sheriff's Office as the village's law enforcement agency. A majority of residents in attendance said they prefer having a local police department rather than a county contract. Council heard concerns such as how too long it might take for the sheriff's office to respond to emergency calls, to an uneasiness about deputies' knowledge of Bettsville streets. There was a complaint that the sheriff's office does not answer its phone as quickly as village police answer its phone. Someone feared "little kids wouldn't get by without a local cop." It was mentioned that 30 hours of contracted police protection would not offer enough security. Councilman Stan Poe told council he "believes without reservation" a strengthened local police department would provide a higher degree of safety and security for the village. In a recent conversation with Bloomdale's chief of police, Poe was told their department runs effectively with one full-time and several part-time officers. Bloomdale do this, he said, on a $60,000 annual budget compared to Seneca County Sheriff Bill Eckelberry's estimates of $55,246.36 for 30 hours of dedicated service and $73,661.81 for 40 hours. He also said Bettsville police department has a 2017 budget of $86,000, so a $26,000 savings could be realized if Bloomdale's example is followed. Other council members were skeptical. Poe suggested council rehire Nick Baker and Shawn Beckley as police officers. That was met with disapproval, and councilwoman Joyce Harrison reminded the panel both men resigned when council did not comply with Baker's demand for Beckley's promotion to captain. She said council then was threatened with litigation. Council president Scott Harrison said a contract with the sheriff's department could protect the village from that type of personnel hassle. As a rebuttal in favor of a county contract, councilman Robert Toy informed residents all 911 calls have been going through the sheriff's office and transferred to Bettsville. He said county cruisers are equipped with GPS systems and deputies probably are familiar with Bettsville streets and should acclimate quickly to village culture. Last year, local police department coverage averaged 31.64 hours per week, and this year is averaging 24.7 hours a week, Toy said. Council said money would be saved by contracting with the county because the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and necessary equipment would be absorbed by the sheriff's department. Bettsville would be able to liquidate its own vehicles and equipment. The majority of village administrators and council members said they prefer to contract the sheriff's department for dedicated police protection. It was suggested coverage time by the county might be raised to 60 hours per week instead of 40 as previously suggested. Solicitor Rick Palau reviewed the legal mechanics of a contractual agreement, and said he is to remain neutral during the decision-making process. He said an executive session is needed to iron out details and terms, although no date was set. The next step is to have Seneca County Prosecutor Derek DeVine's office draft a contract for approval by Bettsville Village Council and Seneca County Board of Commissioners. Mayor Gary Harrison said he would like to see things wrapped up next month. A motion was passed to have Palau begin the process. Poe cast a dissenting vote. In other business, Joe Worland, co-owner of Sacksteder Worland Insurance Agency Inc, Tiffin, presented an overview of village insurance coverage with minor policy changes and a minimal increase in premiums. A motion was approved to renew the policy as presented for another year effective April 1. Joyce Harrison said four letters have been mailed to residents who are out of compliance with a village ordinance that mandates external property maintenance, emphasizing clean up of debris. She said if there is no response, the issue will be turned over to prosecuting authorities. Fire/EMS Chief Mike Snell wants to schedule a fire levy meeting to discuss upcoming renewal. No date was set. He said his request for a State Fire Marshal grant was denied. No reason was given for the denial. Village Administrator Jon Dabrunz reported on projects including replacement of manhole covers and tree trimming and removal. He said he is negotiating with Civica CMI, Englewood, for billing software and use of the company's server estimated to cost $30,000 annually. There was talk of a community movie night at H.P. Eells Park this summer and of plans for a paintball court. Volunteers might be recruited from churches and schools to help with a clean-up project at the park. In other matters, council approved: • An ordinance to adopt 2017 Ohio Basic Code for the preservation of health and safety for the village of Bettsville, and to consider it an emergency appeal. • Public records training is being offered April 7 in Tiffin. Joyce Harrison, Poe and Gary Harrison volunteered to attend. • An ordinance for delinquent and uncollectable properties. • An ordinance limiting blanket purchase orders. • An ordinance governing financial deposits. An amendment for a $900 budget adjustment. • An ordinance to rehire Magistrate Thomas McDermot for night court. • Tickets still are available for Sunday's reverse raffle sponsored by Bettsville Volunteer Firefighters Association at Ole Zim's Seed Shed. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Council is to meet at 6:30 p.m. April 4 at the village complex.