The mayor of Madison Village said he wants to close the police department because it is too costly to keep open. But one council member says it is far from a done deal.
"The issue will be taken up by council on Tuesday in a first reading," said Dan Donaldson, Madison Village councilman. "The process could take up to eight weeks before a decision is made."
Donaldson's comments come after Mayor Sam Britton, Jr. published a statement to the village's website over the weekend regarding the issue.
"Dissolving the village police department is a serious decision," Britton, Jr. wrote. "It is not being made lightly or without significant contemplation. However, despite any such reservations, I nonetheless write this letter to you with full confidence that it is the right decision for Madison."
Read Britton's full statement here.
Britton laid out a plan in his statement where he said the Madison Township police would take over policing the village. There would be no change in the amount of police presence that the village has now. And the move would save the village $81,000 in the initial year.
Some residents welcomed the idea. Others expressed their concern.
"I think it's a good idea," said Shelly Dicenzi, a Madison Village resident. "We all want community instead of two different ones. I think it would be better on the cops."
"I don't think it's right," said David Radwancky, another resident. "I think we pay enough taxes where it should be able to run itself."
The village police department currently has three full-time patrol officers.That's half of what is considered full staffing, according to Britton. To ramp up to full staffing would eat up 71 percent of the village's annual revenue.
Britton said that under the new plan, Madison Township would provide a dedicated officer to the village plus other township officers as needed. It would also offer township detectives for cases and more administrative staff. Plus, the Britton said there would be a police substation in the village.
The village, which has a population of roughly 3,200, is also exploring contracting with Lake County Sheriff's Office for coverage, according to Donaldson.
Britton did not return our call for an interview. The village already contracts with the township for fire department services.
