Council seeks more officers

Local News

September 5, 2007

By TARA LAYNE The Goshen News Wed Sep 05, 2007, 11:04 AM EDT

The $24.8 million 2008 Goshen city budget may not include any new personnel, but City Council members voiced support Tuesday night for adding more police officers.

Council members voted 4-3 to approve a resolution presented by Councilman Daniel Grimes that states that the council is in support of finding the means to hire a few more police officers this year.

All seven council members said they felt hiring more officers was a good idea, but the three Republicans — Paul Scott, Bill Bloss and Chic Lantz — voted against the resolution, saying they felt it was an unnecessary vote as Mayor Allan Kauffman had already stated his plans to bring the request before the council sometime yet this year after the budgeting process is over.

Kauffman has said he wants to be sure that the budget has a good chance to sustain the added cost without returning operating balances to low levels.

The four council members who supported the ordinance — Grimes, Everett Thomas, Julia Gautsche and Dave Puro — indicated they felt it was important to make it clear that they were committed to adding more officers.

Police Chief Gary Penland said if three more officers are added, one more pool car will likely be needed. He noted that not all officers have take-home cars. The cost of a police car with equipment is about $26,000, he said.

The Police Department budget is projected to be up in 2008, from approximately $3.4 million to $3.6 million.

While the Police Department budget was the most discussed, council members also asked questions about other departments’ budgets.

The proposed budget for cemeteries is up from $189,727 in 2007 to $213,400 in 2008. Dan Liechty, director of cemeteries, explained that he would like to purchase a mini excavator to replace the 29-year-old back hoe that the department has been using.

Liechty said the piece of equipment would be shared by his department and the Street and Park departments.

The Park Department budget is proposed to increase from $1,733,150 to $1,784,650. Park Superintendent Sheri Howland said the department is planning two major landscaping projects next year, one on Ind. 15 at the entrance to the city where the “Welcome to Goshen” sign is located and the other at the “five points” intersection at Indiana Avenue. Landscaping projects make up $58,000 of the Park Department’s budget.

A final vote on the Goshen city budget is expected at the Sept. 18 City Council meeting.

Text Only

Local News

Family wins Keystone travel trailer
Keystone RV of Goshen, has awarded a Passport travel trailer to a winner in its Rediscover America RV Giveaway.

February 11, 2012 1 Photo
'Pancake Club' makes a difference
They make pancakes — lots of pancakes. The Exchange Club of Elkhart County is even known as “The Pancake Club.”

February 11, 2012 1 Photo
Local boy receives hearing aid help
Seven-year-old Alex Rial is quick with a hug. He has a sweet smile and an engaging personality. He loves going to church and isn’t afraid to talk about his faith. In short, Alex is a special kid.

February 11, 2012 1 Photo
Election 2012: Contests set for primary
There will be races for one County Commissioner seat and seven will seek three at-large posts on the County Council in the Republican primary election this year.

February 11, 2012 1 Photo
Daniels would consider post under GOP president
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who decided last year against a presidential run, says he would consider serving in the Cabinet of a new Republican president but believes it’s “very improbable” the eventual nominee would tap him as a running mate.

February 10, 2012 1 Photo
Finding the perfect filler for your garden
Rose mallow is a great garden filler. It’s origins are the genus malvaceae (mallow family) and if you are like I am, the mallow family gets rather confusing.

February 10, 2012 1 Photo
SLIDESHOW: Daddy-Daughter Dance Dads took their daughters out for a night of dancing during the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance in the Community Building of the Elkhart County Fairgrounds Thursday night. The event was sold out, according to organizers.
February 10, 2012 1 Photo
SLIDESHOW: Daddy-Daughter Dance Dads took their daughters out for a night of dancing during the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance in the Community Building of the Elkhart County Fairgrounds Thursday night. The event was sold out, according to organizers.
February 10, 2012 1 Photo
Classic pop concert to benefit REAL Services
REAL Services volunteers Tim Pratt and Keith Miller will give an acoustic guitar performance of classic ’60s and ’70s pop music for residents at Courtyard Health Care Center in Goshen Feb. 21.

February 10, 2012 1 Photo
Wood recycler may get to move
GOSHEN — It looks like a new location may be in store for a controversial wood recycling operation in Goshen.

February 10, 2012 1 Photo
More Local News Headlines

The Goshen Housing Authority has a $571,050 shortfall. Should the Goshen City Council use money from its $4.7-million “rainy day” fund to pay the debt and maintain the current level of service provided by the voucher program?

Local News

Search Results

Council seeks more officers

The Goshen Housing Authority has a $571,050 shortfall. Should the Goshen City Council use money from its $4.7-million “rainy day” fund to pay the debt and maintain the current level of service provided by the voucher program?

Site Map