Township, city study police merger

The association study will cost $7,000 to $10,000.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- The city and township police chiefs here are working with the Ohio Police Chiefs Association to determine if a merger of the two departments is feasible.
Township Chief Todd Coonce said Thursday he and city Chief Marty Kanetsky met Wednesday with Piqua Chief Phillip Potter, an association representative, and Hubbard Township Trustee Joseph Gleydura.
Merging the two departments, with an eye on lowering costs and increasing efficiency, has long been discussed.
Both are "certainly possible," Coonce said.
"We wanted somebody from outside the area with police background to look at it," he said.
Coonce explained the association will first determine if combining the departments is legal under state law.
"There's no sense in drawing up a contract if it can't be done," he said.
If the creation of a new police jurisdiction is possible, the association will enter into a contract with the city and township to determine how it can be done.
Will split cost
The city and township will split the $7,000 to $10,000 cost, Coonce added.
The group will look at what is common to both departments and the differences.
Coonce said the association will look at manpower and equipment, different services provided, differing retirement systems and funding sources.
For example, the city department is funded through an income tax, while the township's money comes from property tax and levy money.
Housing the departments also must be looked at, Coonce said, noting the city police building is old. It also has health issues with mold, and the electrical service needs improved.
A survey conducted by the Trumbull County Planning Commission showed 86 percent of residents aren't interested in the township department's merging with the county sheriff's department or an adjoining township.
"We would have to educate people. We'd have to show we can provide better service," by merging with the city, Coonce said.
"People are taxed out," he added, noting he doesn't want to go to the voters as often for local law enforcement funding.
yovich@vindy.com