Prospect council votes to end sheriff deputy contract, discusses county 'village deputy' option

The Prospect Village Council voted to terminate its contract with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office effective Dec. 31, 2025, and discussed alternatives for policing coverage.

Mayor Sandee Lauer told the council there were “no bad things to say about either of our 2 village deputies,” and framed the decision as a financial one; the mayor also said the contract is paid through Dec. 31, 2025 and that the village already has deputy coverage for that period. Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles and Chief Deputy Jamie Ralston attended the meeting to explain options and costs.

Sheriff Bayles said deputy overtime pay “ranges from $35 per hour up to $50 per hour depending on the village paying,” and explained that shifts offering higher pay tend to fill first. He and Chief Deputy Ralston advised the village to request coverage for major events — including the Fourth of July — “as far out as possible” because the Marion County Fair occurs the same week and requires many deputies.

Bayles described a county proposal under consideration to create a full-time Village Deputy position that would rotate among multiple villages. He said the role would require a 40-hour-per-week commitment and enough participating villages to justify the position; Prospect councilmembers expressed strong interest in joining if the county proceeds.

The council approved the termination on a motion by Councilmember Rob Ramey, seconded by Councilmember Phillip “P.J.” Reeb (Yeas 6; Nays 0). The council record notes Deputy Jesse Allen is assigned to junk-vehicle enforcement and can be contacted directly without special-shift cost if the village needs that service.

Next steps: the termination takes effect Dec. 31, 2025; the village will continue to coordinate with Marion County on coverage through year-end and explore the rotating Village Deputy proposal.