Montgomery may be getting more police officers. How many depends on the village’s proposed budget.
The budget for fiscal year 2018 includes cash for two new officers, but some would like to see an additional two hired as well.
“The $10.2 million budget has a surplus, so we are in the black but there has been a request from one of the board members to look at additional officers. This is a difficult conversation and we would need to find somewhere to cut,” said Mayor Matt Brolley.
The new budget as presented includes a $22,000 surplus.
“I have 28 full-time officers today,” Montgomery Police Chief Dan Meyers said. “I have four-part time officers that are only allowed 29 hours a week.”
The chief went on to say it takes an estimated $100,000 per year for each additional officer.
Trustee Theresa Sperling would like to see four officers hired.
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“I was told we had enough to hire two. I would like to see us get more officers,” she said.
The issue was tabled for more discussion in March, when the board will debate the pros and cons of the budget as it was presented.
Brolley noted that revenue to come from the state is always a concern given its budget problems.
“Every year one of our biggest revenue sources is $1.8 million as estimated for income tax (back from the state). I feel I fight and claw for that money every year I have been involved, so far, six years. It is an ideal candidate for the state to swipe those funds to use to balance their budget. It would be unfortunate for them to balance their budget on the backs of all of us.”
Judy Pochel is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.