During today’s study session, Lyon County commissioners discussed the formation of a task force to study consolidation of city and county law enforcement.
County Counselor Michael Halleran said the issue should definitely be studied as to whether it would benefit the taxpayers and cost the taxpayers the least amount of money.
Halleran said the task force should consist of an odd number of people, possibly five to seven people. Halleran said the group should consist of people from different walks of life, expertise and community members.
Halleran went on to say the group should be charged with answering four questions. The questions came out of discussions from a city/county study group. These are the recommendations of that group: the first charge: Would the creation of consolidated law enforcement provide reasonable and adequate means of protection to the citizens of Lyon County and Emporia? Second: What would be the most effective means of establishing consolidated law enforcement assuming that it is the desire of the people of Lyon County? Third: Would the creation of a consolidated law enforcement department best serve the public interest? Fourth: What would the budgetary and tax implications be in creating a consolidated law enforcement?
Halleran said the group should answer the charges within six months.
Halleran suggested that there be full involvement of local government in the establishment of a task force as well as when the group is studying the issues.
“Ideally I can see this study group calling members of law enforcement to meet with them for support,” Halleran said.
Commissioner Bob Davis said the task force should not be taken lightly.
“It’s a lot of research and a lot of thought,” Davis said.
Halleran asked Lyon County commissioners to consider acting on the idea of a task force during tomorrow's action session. Commission Chairman Marshall Miller said he would put the item on the agenda for tomorrow and it is likely the commission will move forward with the idea of forming a task force.
“This is the first step with this group,” Miller said. “Tomorrow we should work on a motion/action item.”