Work session hits on police coverage
The Montgomery City Council discussed options for law enforcement services at a workshop session Monday night, and council members left with some homework following the session.
“Our homework is now to talk with Montgomery residents and find out if they want 24/7 law enforcement coverage,” said Mayor John Grimm. “Once we reach a decision on that issue, we can analyze the data and cost comparisons between having our own police department or working on a permanent contract with the sheriff’s department.”
The council had approved an agreement with the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Department for “Police Department Supervision” for a three-month period, ending June 15. At that time, a decision will need to be made to either extend that agreement or go another direction.
The agreement came following the resignation of former Police Chief John Schmidt, which left Montgomery without a Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) and provided the city with some time to consider various options available to fill the void: contract with the county for services; promote an officer from within the department; or hire a new police chief.
Le Sueur County Sheriff Brett Mason and Chief Deputy Nick Greenig were present for the work session, willing to answer any questions concerning county supervision of the Montgomery Police Department.
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