Lucas council and residents spar over plan to create city police department

Council discussion on forming a Lucas Police Department drew substantial public turnout and extended debate on March 5.

The city’s proposed model calls for eight full‑time officers including a chief and a supervisor, paired shifts and overtime to provide continuous local coverage, Chief Doug Kowalski said. “The budget we presented last week was a $1.3 million budget to go forward with that and we should be able to do it,” Kowalski said. He added the department plans to use volunteers, grant‑funded officers and staggered vehicle replacement to reduce peak costs.

Residents at the meeting said they wanted more transparent, specific cost data before proceeding. “I don’t yet have an opinion on whether we need to start a police department at this time because I do not have any facts or figures,” Stephanie Schertz told council, urging a public vote or more study. Other speakers cited online polls, concerns about taxation and the need for public forums.

Council members acknowledged shortcomings in outreach. “We could've done a little bit better job on that,” Council member Bill Lawrence said, adding that while communication fell short, he believes the city is now at the point where a local police force is financially feasible and would improve local response and control. Several councilors stressed the difference between short‑term estimates and longer‑term unknowns, and asked for continuing transparency on staffing, equipment and capital costs.

Council noted that prior meetings and materials — including a previous presentation by the chief and budget discussion — are available in the recorded minutes and that a town hall is scheduled for April 7 at Lovejoy High School to provide additional detail and public Q&A. No final action to create the department was taken at the March 5 meeting; council directed staff to provide more financial detail and to continue public outreach.