Mount Auburn Mayor discusses budget issues with sheriff and highway patrol

In a recent meeting of the Benton County Board of Supervisors, discussions took a turn toward community safety and budgetary constraints faced by the small town of Mount Auburn. The atmosphere was charged with concern as a local representative shared insights from a visit to the town, highlighting the challenges they face in funding law enforcement.

The representative recounted a conversation with Mount Auburn's mayor and a highway patrolman, revealing that the town had not adequately budgeted for an increase in law enforcement costs. With a population of just 120, Mount Auburn is grappling with financial limitations that hinder its ability to maintain adequate police presence. The representative noted that the cost for police services had risen from $30 to $60, which he deemed reasonable, yet the town's budget could not accommodate this increase.

He proposed a temporary solution: reducing the hours of police coverage for one year while the town recalibrates its budget. "If they could just cut half the time for one year, it’s up to you guys," he urged the board, emphasizing the need for flexibility in the face of tight finances. The representative expressed his belief that having a police officer present, even for a limited time, would significantly enhance community safety.

As the meeting progressed, the representative reflected on the importance of law enforcement in small communities, sharing his own experiences managing safety in a mobile home park. He underscored the value of having a visible police presence, suggesting that it could deter crime and foster a sense of security among residents.

The discussion highlighted a broader issue faced by many small towns: balancing community safety with financial realities. As the board considers the proposal, the future of law enforcement in Mount Auburn hangs in the balance, illustrating the ongoing struggle for resources in rural America. The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency, as the board members pondered the implications of the representative's insights for their community's safety and well-being.