The City of Plantersville wants some additional law enforcement for the future, as the city continues its rapid growth.
At Wednesday’s meeting of commissioner’s Court, County Judge Joe Fauth presented what the council in Planterville discussed with him about additional safety for the community.
“They are addressing the concern about needed security for the town…they have been inquiring if we could, as a county, provide them additional law enforcement,” said Fauth. “Along the idea of them offering overtime to some of our current law enforcement personnel.”
Fauth mentioned this was just an open discussion, as the Plantersville City Council has not submitted a formal request to the county.
County Auditor Jessi Murphy said this will encourage other cities to come forward, and potentially do the same thing, leading to problems on the insurance front. County Attorney Jon C Fultz also shared his potential concerns and points that need to be researched, such as the equipment liability.
“I would also raise the issue, this is a tax burden shift, that is what it is. So, Plantersville is putting the burden on the entire county tax roll…those folks in Iola, in Bedias, wherever, are now paying taxes that are being used in Plantersville, because they have decided they will not raise taxes to pay for those services,” said Fultz. “Be mindful of the fact, you will have folks who ask ‘why are my tax dollars going to that particular use?'”
Commissioner Phillip Cox also noted that public comments at the beginning of the meeting from citizen’s regarded the lack of patrols in some parts of the county.
The court took no action, as the item was just up for review. The county auditor will do more research on the item, before bringing it back for future discussion.