Examining why control matters

One of the issues that comes up with merging governmental entities is the issue of control. Many times, one municipality will have to give up partial control to the other. In the case of Grand Chute merging it's police department with Appleton, Grand Chute will be giving up ENTIRE accountability of it's police department. Right now, indirectly, the citizens of Grand Chute have control of their police department. As a town board member, this becomes an important factor. After all, I am accountable to Grand Chute residents. That includes being able to make the best financial decisions for taxpayers. Giving up control of a large portion of the town's budget must carefully be looked at. Do I trust the municipality with managing over three million dollars of the town's money? Are the numbers provided accurate? What happens if they aren't? What is the past relationship we have with the City of Appleton? Many consolidation reports cite the importance an already established trust relationship between both municipalities. Is the city of Appleton fiscally responsible with their taxpayers money? These are the questions I will be examining.

Town of Grand Chute
Delivery of Police Services
An Outline in Representative Accountability to Grand Chute Citizens

Option 1:
The merger of the Appleton Police Department and the Town of Grand Chute Police Department. The legacy Grand Chute Officers are merged into the ranks of the Appleton Police Department. The elected Town of Grand Chute turns over control of the Grand Chute Police Department to the City of Appleton. A 6 member control board is created. It consists of 4 Appleton members and 2 Grand Chute members.

• Appleton Mayor Elected by Appleton Citizens
• Appleton City Council Elected by Appleton Citizens
• Appleton Police Chief Answers to the Appleton Mayor and City Council
• Grand Chute Police Chief Answers to the Appleton Police Chief
• Answers to a 6 member board
• Level of Service Dependent on the Appleton City Council

Option 2:
To contract police services to the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department/ The legacy Grand Chute Police Officers are merged into the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department. A detailed contract will dictate the level of service provided to Grand Chute.

• Outagamie County Sheriff Elected by Grand Chute and all Outagamie County Citizens
• Answers to the Outagamie County Board on fiscal matters
• Outagamie County Executive Elected by Grand Chute and all Outagamie County Citizens
• Outagamie County Board Five Elected by Grand Chute Citizens
• Assigned Grand Chute Officers Answers to the Outagamie County Sheriff
• Level of Service Dependent on the Contract for Services Agreement

Option 3:
To maintain the existing Grand Chute Police Department.

• Town of Grand Chute Chairman Elected by Grand Chute Citizens
• Town of Grand Chute Board Elected by Grand Chute Citizens
• Town of Grand Chute Administrator Answers to the Grand Chute Town Chairman
• Answers to the Grand Chute Town Board
• Town of Grand Chute Police Chief Answers to the Grand Chute Town Chairman
• Answers to the Grand Chute Town Board
• Answers to the Grand Chute Administrator
• Town of Grand Chute Police Officers Answers to the Grand Chute Police Chief

Keep in mind that both Option 1 and Option 2 require that the existing Grand Chute Police Department cease to exist. The officers will merge into a separate department. It is anticipated that the officers will receive an increase in salary and fringe benefits. With these two options, there will be no turning around.

Option 1 removes the Grand Chute citizens and their elected officials from managing the delivery of Police services to Grand Chute.

Option 2 maintains a fairly high level of control since Grand Chute citizens elect the Sheriff, County Executive and their(s) Representatives to the County Board. In addition, the Sheriff’s Department may relocate its Patrol Division in Grand Chute, thereby increasing the law enforcement presence over and above what the contract provides.

Option 3 mandates control of the Grand Chute Police Department to the citizens of Grand Chute.