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Police report: calls down from last year; chief warns of higher road‑salt costs ahead
Summary
Chief Swistek reported a drop in calls for service compared with the previous year and recapped July 4 enforcement, and warned the council that LaPorte County’s exclusion from the state treated‑salt QPA could push salt costs from about $89/ton toward $120/ton for 2027.
Chief Swistek told the Michiana Shores Town Council on July 14 that the police department responded to 355 calls for service in June, down from 474 in the previous year, and summarized July 4 weekend activity and arrests.
"The police department responded to 355 calls for service compared to 474 in the previous year for a decrease of 119 calls for service," Chief Swistek said. He noted the department made multiple arrests over the July 3–5 period but said there were "no major concerns" otherwise.
The chief also advised the council that LaPorte County had been excluded from the state QPA (qualified purchasing arrangement) for treated road salt, requiring municipalities to source salt independently. "Last year, we were paying $89 per ton, and... we are being told it could be as high as $120 or more a ton, which is a 30 to 40% increase," he said, and recommended budgeting accordingly for 2027.
Swistek said the town’s police service contract will be up shortly after the start of the year and that the department prefers multi‑year contracts. He said the department has been coordinating with neighboring communities to find the best purchasing options and that the town should consider increasing the road‑salt line in next year’s budget in case bids come in higher.
Councilors asked about tonnage and procurement; the chief said typical loads and past annual usage vary but reported an estimate range for town usage and described outreach to vendors and neighboring jurisdictions to coordinate purchases.
The council did not take immediate action on procurement; members were advised to consider the potential price increases during budget planning.
