Fountain Green approves switch to North Valley Police starting July 1

The Fountain Green City Council voted to contract with North Valley Police Department and terminate the sheriff’s contract effective June 30, 2026, with North Valley to begin services July 1, 2026.

Chief Steve Gray, who identified himself on the record as North Valley’s chief, presented the interlocal public-safety agreement and described staffing, vehicle and insurance provisions. Gray said the agreement is modeled on an existing, more extensive PD agreement and that North Valley will provide a minimum level of coverage and the equipment and vehicles necessary to serve Fountain Green.

Council debate focused on start-date flexibility, minimum coverage hours and a termination period. A council member moved that the city give notice to the sheriff, adopt the interlocal agreement with North Valley PD effective July 1, 2026, amend the contract term to 12 months from July 1 and add a six‑month termination clause; the motion was seconded and approved by roll-call vote.

Shay (city staff) and the council indicated one substantive amendment added language requiring the PD to provide vehicles equipped for the assigned officers and to clarify indemnification and liability provisions in the originating interlocal document. The council asked staff and North Valley to finalize the start date with North Valley’s board and to circulate a final, attorney‑reviewed copy before execution.

The council’s action directs staff to prepare the final interlocal for signature and to coordinate transition logistics with the outgoing sheriff’s office. Chief Gray said the PD is prepared to start service as soon as the city chooses a date and asked to have a final copy returned to the council when the board has approved the start date.

The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Carrie — yes; Vaughn — yes; Rich — yes; Jake — yes.

The council will receive a final contract and timeline from staff once attorney revisions and board scheduling are complete.