By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The future of police coverage for Niles Township came up once again at Monday night's meeting.
During the portion of the meeting in which board members hear comments from the public, the question was raised as to whether there would be the possibility of future bids on police patrol for the township. Two bids were received in anticipation of the end of the township's contract with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department for coverage over Niles Township. The Niles City Police Department and the Berrien County Sheriff's Department made those bids.
"I really don't know," said Supervisor William Myers. "We haven't discussed it." The contract ends Dec. 31 and many have been wondering what the outcome will be.
Other concerns surrounding the ongoing police coverage issue included a system being adopted by the Berrien County Sheriff's Department that would have officers taking prisoners to be lodged at the Berrien County jail in St. Joseph, rather than at holding them in Niles. Their concern being a lack of coverage by the Sheriff's Department during the time of transit.
Board members listened to the comments as well as Berrien County Sheriff L. Paul Bailey, who was in attendance to present a report to the board of the department's activity in the township.
According to that report – the department fielded 371 complaints within the township during the month of March alone – as well as making 41 arrests in the same month. "We've been very busy down here," Bailey said. Also during his presentation, Bailey presented the board with a breakdown of the department's budget for their work in the township for 2006 and 2007 as well as projected revenues for 2008. "We're really happy to announce that we're not going to have to ask for any additional money," Bailey said. The department been left with a considerable balance for each of those years and Bailey added that even with the addition of a new police cruiser in the fall – no additional monies would be asked for from the township.
"I haven't heard any negative comments," Bailey added. "I think the public is very pleased."
Also during the meeting, board members heard the announcement by Tammy Youngs that she would be running for township treasurer. And with a close vote of 4 to 3, the board voted to pass a preliminary resolution for the Joint Assessment District in support of SMCAS.