NICKERSON, Kan. — Following a rash of vandalism in Nickerson last weekend, the City Council took time to address law enforcement in the community during Monday’s meeting.
The matter of bringing back a police department to the small community has been discussed off and on since the department was dissolved in the fall of 2012. The public then got a chance to speak their mind in a vote in 2013 which showed that many were not willing to pony up the funds needed for the department. Councilwoman Angela Richard noted that for even one officer the cost to the city would increase the budget by 25 mills or about $85,000.
Currently, the Reno County Sheriffs Department patrols the area. While many have been satisfied with that service having a large number of vehicles vandalized over the weekend did not sit well with residents. The SO has four deputies on patrol around the entire county at one time and response to calls can take some time depending on the situation.
City Clerk April Beshears said the Council discussed bringing back a citizens patrol group. Such a group existed before but slowly died out due to a lack of participation. Beshears also said some residents are reluctant to call law enforcement for things that can hinder enforcement efforts.
No action was taken during the meeting, but more discussion will likely be coming at future meetings.