BLOOMFIELD TWP. Sheriff quizzed on patrol shortages

Commissioner Paul Heltzel said more patrols could occur if tax revenues increase.
By ED RUNYAN
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NORTH BLOOMFIELD -- The real meeting seemed to take place after the Trumbull County commissioners had adjourned from their guest appearance meeting at the Bloomfield Township Garage.
Standing outside the township's meeting room, several trustees from various northern townships asked Sheriff Richard Altiere to explain why Commissioner Dan Polivka had told them minutes earlier that the sheriff's department had a budget of more than $1 million more in 2006 than last year and why that wasn't enough for full-time road patrols.
Chief Deputy Ernie Cook said the reason was that most of that extra money had gone to reopening a section of the jail that had been closed during most of 2005 and that providing 16-hour-per-day coverage in the areas was taking much of the rest.
Cook also explained that providing 24-hour coverage there would require the addition of two more deputies because their contract calls for no deputy to cover an area by himself. It would cost about $250,000 more per year, he said. There are generally two deputies working at all times, he said.
"If I were you guys, I'd be mad as hell," Altiere told the trustees, referring to having less than 24-hour protection. "The basic reason for government is for protection of the citizens," he said.
Possibly later
Commissioner Paul Heltzel joined the conversation, saying there is a possibility that 24-hour protection could come later in the year if income tax collections arrive in large enough numbers. However, he said that with concerns about the solvency of Delphi and General Motors, it is unlikely that income tax collections will increase.
Gustavus Township Trustee Bob Phillips wanted to know whether the county is getting a lot more revenue from increased property taxes.
"A lot of people are paying a lot more money. I know everybody I talk to is paying more," he said.
County Auditor Adrian Biviano explained that most of the increase in taxes people are paying came as a result of increased millage approved by voters, not from increased valuation. He noted that three of the countywide issues voters approved in November -- the senior citizens levy, one for the Children's Services Board and one for Fairhaven -- increased taxes throughout the county.
Not to be quizzed
Bloomfield Township Trustee John Beran, who said he asked the commissioners to hold their meeting in the township more than a year ago, said he didn't ask for the meeting so that county officials could be quizzed about police patrols.
"I'm not terribly concerned about it," he said. "We kind of watch each other's place. That's the way it is in the country."
He added that he is grateful for the 16-hour protection because, for most of last year, there was none.
"Everybody has to live within their budget," he said.
During the meeting, commissioners accepted the resignation of Atty. Stanley Elkins from the Trumbull County Public Library Board, effective March 14.