Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Contract topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Northfield council questions offer to provide policing for Northfield Center, mayor opposes single-officer staffing
Summary
Council members debated whether the Village should contract police services to neighboring Northfield Center; concerns included staffing levels, added costs for dispatch and insurance, and a deadline in April for a response. Staff will prepare a cost breakdown for a possible counteroffer.
At its Feb. 26, 2020 meeting, the Village of Northfield Council debated whether to accept a proposal to provide policing services to neighboring Northfield Center, with Mayor Jesse Nehez saying he would not support sending a lone officer to the township.
The discussion focused on staffing and cost. Mayor Jesse Nehez said he was "strongly against" contracting under the township's terms and that "there is no information that would make him change his mind," adding he "would not send one officer out there by himself." Councilmember Gary Vojtush said he was uncomfortable with staffing a single officer because that "poses a risk for the officer."
Councilmembers and staff also flagged several cost items the township estimate did not include. Councilmember Jennifer Domzalski pointed out the township proposal pays about $150,000 less than the sheriff's department is currently paid to perform the work. Law Director Brad Bryan warned the Village would face increased insurance premiums and potential legal exposure if incidents occurred outside Village limits. Bryan also noted other operating costs—dispatch workload, supervision, and equipment—were not in the township's estimate.
Police Chief John Zolgus said the Village "could handle it, and there could be potential profit," but deferred to the governing body on whether to pursue the arrangement. Councilmember Renell Noack said she would prepare a counteroffer that would require at least two officers and a one-year review of costs; several members asked for a detailed cost breakdown before deciding. Bryan and Chief Zolgus agreed to prepare a cost analysis for Council to review ahead of the township's April deadline.
The council took no formal vote on the proposal at the meeting; members said further review and a clear cost estimate were needed before a decision.
Next steps: staff will produce a detailed cost breakdown to inform a possible counteroffer, and Council will reconsider the proposal before the April response deadline.
