X

Potsdam Village schedules public discussion of police force size

Posted 5/9/12

POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Village board has scheduled a public discussion at 6 p.m. Monday, May 21 in the Civic Center board room to take comments on the appropriate size of the village police force. A …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Potsdam Village schedules public discussion of police force size

Posted

POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Village board has scheduled a public discussion at 6 p.m. Monday, May 21 in the Civic Center board room to take comments on the appropriate size of the village police force.

A recent retirement has caused the size of the force to decrease by one officer. The village board must decide between replacing the officer or reducing the size of the force.

“Police service is seen by many as a crucial part of village services, but it is also very expensive service, particularly in future commitments to retirement benefits,” Mayor Yurgartis said.

The mayor said he would like to hear from village institutions, businesses, and residents about their point of view.

The Potsdam force includes former sergeant and now chief Kevin Bates, one lieutenant, two other sergeants, and seven patrol officers; one vacancy; plus four civilian dispatchers. That makes a force of 16 on the job now. One position was recently eliminated with the retirement of an officer. The question now is whether or not to fill the current vacancy and, if so, with a patrol officer or a sergeant.

“Recently we have made good progress in reducing the cost by the permanent reduction of one position and the negotiation of a good contract that reduces our long term benefit costs,” Mayor Yurgartis said. “But it is still a very expensive undertaking to hire an officer. On the other hand, I recognize that our police force is a vital service to our residents, and fewer staff means less service.

“It is a tough call,” Yurgartis said. “As much as possible I would like to make it a community decision.”

Written comments are also welcome any time before May 21 and can be sent to yurgartis@gmail.com or to the Village Clerk.