The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Stronghurst Renews Contract With Sheriff's Department

By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

"Why should the village sign a contract with the Sheriff's Department? is a question frequently asked," said Sheriff Mark Lumbeck the Stronghurst Village board meeting January 5th.

Sheriff Lumbeck said his deputies do not have to sit down here if there is no contract and they would not enforce the village's ordinances.

Sheriff Lumbeck went on to say if the board chose not to sign a contract with his department they would definitely have to hire someone because Stronghurst has the highest juvenile crime in Henderson County.

Mayor Eric Chockley said the public's comment to him is that the deputies are never visible and people wonder if they are getting the coverage they should.

It was pointed out they are not always seen for various reasons such as patrolling during the night or when they are on a stake-out.

Sheriff Lumbeck said, "starting tonight (5th) whether you sign a contract or not my deputies will fill out a time sheet on the hours they spend in Stronghurst and it will be presented to the board once a month." A contract guarantees a deputy will be in Stronghurst 5 hours per day.

The proposal for the new contract is to raise the amount from $29,000 to $35,000.

When questioned, the Henderson County Board members present said the figure was negotiable. They said they were not trying to get Stronghurst to cover the county's expenses or make it hard on the village. They said all other contracts they had with villages would also raise in price.

At 7:30 p.m. on a motion by David Vancil, seconded by Robert Scott the board entered closed session to discuss negotiations.

The board returned to open session at 7:43 p.m. and proposed some changes in the contract such as giving the kids a ticket if needed, documentation of hours, someone around the school at dismissal time and a proposal of $32,000 for a one year contract. County board members agreed and the village board voted unanimously to sign a one year contract.

After hearing from Tony Anderson and Scott Ford regarding their opinions on three back hoes they had tested, the board voted to accept the bid of $42,632 with trade in for a Caterpillar back hoe.

In other business

• The board passed the tax levy ordinance.
• Gave Bill Corzatt one week to remove his semi from the metered parking area.
• Heard from Robert Scott they had settled out of court with Mrs. Garth and all the vehicles at her residence would be removed.
• Heard from Tony Griepentrog the Senior Citizens are requesting one more handicapped parking space in front of their building. The board agreed to the request and will have an ordinance drawn up.
• David Vancil said the Stronghurst Booster Club were requesting the village purchase new flags. The previous ones cost around $500. The board voted to purchase new flags.
• Heard from Deputy Henshaw that 2 battery complaints and 2 aggravated battery complaints were cleared by arrest and two cases of theft less than $300 and other trouble were pending investigation.

Present were board members Tony Griepentrog, Robert Scott, David Vancil, Lawrence Neff and Angela Myers, Mayor Eric Chockley, Clerk Deanna Huss, Treasurer, Lori Russell, Employees, Tony Anderson and Scott Ford, Sheriff Mark Lumbeck, Deputy Steve Henshaw and Henderson County board members, Curt Eisenmayer, Marty Lafary and Terry Myers, Board member Juanita Jarvis was absent.

The next board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on February 2, 2004.