VESTAL, NY (WSKG) — Deposit is proposing to eliminate its police department.
Mayor Bryan Moore cites a lack of funding. "We couldn’t come out and tax people—give a 20-or-30 percent tax increase. So, we had to come up with another option," he said. "So, basically, there’s two options out there: either we fix our department at a cost or we go with an alternative."
The alternative is having sheriff departments from Broome and Delaware Counties cover the area. The counties both have jurisdiction in Deposit and already offer support because the Deposit police, which is made up mostly of part-time employees.
Scheduling troubles are another reason for the move.
"All these officers all have other jobs and lives," Moore said. "It’s hard for them to work a set schedule. So, from week-to-week, it can be iffy whether we have certain coverage or not." Moore added it’s hard to retain part-time employees.
If residents gather enough signatures for a petition, it will be put to a vote. If voters want to keep the department, taxes will go up. If not, the department dissolves effective in March.