3 Laid Off from Police Department

Dear Readers:

The offices are now closed between the hours of 5pm and 8am. Additionally, they are closed on weekends. There is an emergency phone located outside if you must summon help at once. 

BACKGROUND
This issue has been discussed for many years by the City Council. There always was a belief that having it open between these hours was not necessary. However, some years back the city found a firm that needed checks on criminal histories for persons applying for certain jobs.

The firm would pay us enough so that we could keep the office open. The opening hours require three employees. The city lost that contract.  With the closure the city will save the pay of those three persons thus helping with the deficit.

It was long thought that there was really nothing for employees to do during these hours. The new police chief, Charles Sewell, delved into all of these expenditures and decided to present the closures to the Council and they agreed. 

Sanitation Services
I still believe that the city should quickly proceed with contracting out Sanitation Services. There is no doubt that, according to the bids that were received last fall, it would be cheaper for residents offering the same if not enhanced services.

can be addressed with the outside vendor. Although unable to actually demand that they hire the employees, why would they not do so?

The vendor would be able to hire experienced, hard working employees who already know the routes and would be a real benefit to the contracting company. The city would save money in the long run by not having to replace expensive trucks. Its a real win for everyone and there is just no excuse for this dawdling in making the move.

The groundwork has been laid so what are they waiting for? The question is: Why has not explained the reasons why they are not moving on this issue? I think that the citizens at least deserve a reason for not doing so. 

As we read about governments of all kinds wasting moneys the public should really demand that they all do something to save money wherever practical.

We have all read about the outrage with the Federal Government wasting "a small amount" like millions of dollars on boondoggles such as trips to expensive seminars and such. Luckily, our city and state is not involved with anything like this. Still, even small amounts of savings are important.

Next time, a recap of August 21. 

thanks for reading..
Thomas D. Bevirt