Kincaid accepts police chief's resignation; trustees and residents press for staffing plan

The Village of Kincaid board voted March 10 to accept Police Chief Mathon's resignation effective at the end of his shift on March 13. Trustee Nelson moved to accept the resignation; Trustee Gibson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

During public comment, Brian Wilbur, mayor of the Village of Tovey, told the board his village pays "seven hundred dollars a month for police protection, and you give us at least five hours a week," and asked that Kincaid suspend the contract rather than terminate it until Kincaid restores regular patrol coverage. Wilbur said Tovey is paid through the end of March. Nelson and other trustees indicated they were sympathetic and agreed to put a formal request on the next agenda so the board can consider suspension.

Trustees and residents raised broader staffing concerns. John Durbin and others said Kincaid has struggled to retain officers; Nelson said the village spent about $170,000 on policing last year and suggested focusing future budgets on hiring a chief and at least one dedicated part-timer to improve continuity. The board said recruitment is ongoing and that applications have been received, but did not announce a hire at the meeting.

Separately, the board approved selling the white police vehicle on a motion from Trustee Nelson. Louie Broccardo, a resident, urged disposing of Impala-model vehicles because parts are expensive; he said, "engines for an impala are nine thousand dollars," describing high repair costs as one reason to replace aging fleet vehicles.