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Ballston board weighs police force versus sheriff patrols; fundraising, liability cited
Summary
Board members debated the costs, liabilities and funding mechanisms of establishing a local police force versus relying on the County Sheriff; members recommended first asking the sheriff for increased patrols and gauging public support by survey before pursuing a local force.
Board members extensively discussed local law-enforcement options, including establishing a town police force or expanding patrols from the Saratoga County Sheriff. Councilman Michael Carota warned of the recurring expense and liability risks of a municipal force, citing potential claims and the town’s inability to sustain ongoing costs without a dedicated tax. He recommended consulting the Sheriff about increased patrols before pursuing a local department.
Councilwoman Kelly Jasinski said the Sheriff’s Department is sometimes short-staffed and that residents would need to accept a tax increase to fund a town force. Councilman Rob Fendrick and Councilman Chuck Curtiss supported first leveraging relationships with Sheriff Brown to increase patrols and suggested a public referendum or resident survey to gauge support. No formal direction or vote was taken; board members tasked staff to explore next steps and potential resident polling.
