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Council weighs contracting police services after allegations and counteroffer from interim chief
Summary
Truman council reviewed costs of keeping a local police department versus contracting with Martin County after Interim Police Chief Michael Schutz declined earlier chief offers and submitted a counteroffer; council held a closed session on alleged on-duty misconduct and will meet with Schutz to discuss next steps.
The Truman City Council on Sept. 16 reviewed options for providing police services after hearing that maintaining a local department would cost more than contracting with Martin County.
Mayor Jake Ebert told the council that the proposed 2025 police budget already exceeds the cost of contracting with Martin County. Interim Police Chief Michael Schutz previously declined an offer to serve as chief and later submitted a counteroffer that the city said would raise departmental expenses significantly.
Council moved into closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.058, Subd. 2(b) to consider allegations that Officer Schutz engaged in inappropriate non‑work activities while on duty. After returning to open session the council took no formal disciplinary action at the meeting; Mayor Ebert and a council member were instructed to meet with Schutz later in the week to discuss his contract offer and the allegations.
The council provided handouts comparing the cost of retaining a local force with contracting for services; those materials were distributed to residents at the meeting. No vote was taken on contracting with Martin County at the Sept. 16 meeting.
Next steps: Mayor Ebert and a designated council member will meet privately with Interim Chief Schutz to discuss his counteroffer and the misconduct allegations before the council considers a formal staffing decision or a contract with Martin County.
