County contract a better solution

We feel there is a need for additional information regarding the Sheriff Department contract offer to David City. As Sheriff Department liaison and Butler County Supervisors, we have received several questions concerning the proposal.

The DCPD has 5-year average of 3-4 calls per 24 hour period. Using 2009 budget information of $437,000 for city police divided by 1,460 yearly calls (4 per 24-hour period) that equals $290.32 per call.

Take the Sheriff's Department proposal of $240,000 divided by 1,460 calls, and that equals $164.38 per call.

The Sheriff's Department proposal is $55 percent of the 2009-10 DCPD budget. There would be a 0-6 percent cost of living increase determined by the national average over the contracted term.

Looking at contracts of several other communities in Nebraska, we feel that it is important to have an opt-out clause in the contract. If the city is not satisfied with the service, after notifying the County, they can cancel the contract after a 30- to 180-day period.

Gretna, Arlington, Geneva and Springfield all have similar clauses built into their contracts for police services. The Sheriff's Department would provide all equipment and personnel to enforce all city ordinances and provide 24 hour coverage. In addition to the savings to the city budget, there would be no need for a new police building. All work would be handed by the county's law enforcement center with no expansion of the building. We believe contracting with the county is a fiscally better solution for the law enforcement services for David City. In our opinion, residents will only notice a change in the color of cars and uniforms. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact us and we will try to answer them. Thank you.

County Supervisors

Max Birkel

District 4

Bill Kozisek

District 5