Turkey Creek voters to decide between having an elected or appointed chief on Saturday

An election will be held in Turkey Creek on Saturday, March 24, 2018, to determine if the village’s voters wish to have an elected or appointed chief of police.
The decision to hold this election was made by the council after the village began to face financial woes as it pertained to its police department.
Back in August of last year the council had to move $35,000 of police department money from savings into the police department fund to cover police expenses. Financial issues according to the council and mayor have been a result of lack of patrolling by the current chief.
As little revenue continued to stream in, Village Clerk Melissa Ferguson, following the village’s December meeting, said, “The police fund is about to be depleted.”
It was also stated that if this trend were to continue, “water rates would have to increase to cover the police department’s expenses.”
If the elected position of chief of police is changed to an appointed position, hiring a chief would require recommendation by the mayor and full approval by the council.
One of the main differences between an elected chief and an appointed chief is the council and mayor’s ability to discipline or terminate an appointed chief of police for “lack of patrolling, financial responsibility in the department, lack of record keeping, lack of availability, improper handling of a matter, a bad attitude toward the public, and improper use of department vehicles.” With an elected chief, the council and mayor also cannot force the chief to get P.O.S.T. certified. However if the chief were appointed, the council could make P.O.S.T. certification a requirement for the individual hired as chief. This type of certification is obtained through the completion of a training academy provided by law enforcement, police or correctional P.O.S.T. approved training center.
If the measure to change the chief of police position is passed on Saturday, an individual could be selected to fill the role of chief even if they live out of town. With an elected chief, the person chosen by the voters must live within the village limits.
If the ballot item is not approved by the voters, the next chief of police election for Turkey Creek will be held on November 6, 2018.
Early voting for this election began on March 10th, and at press time on Friday a total of two votes had been cast. Early voting closed on Saturday, March 17th.
Electorates of Turkey Creek who have not voted but wish to do so, can by visiting the village hall on Saturday, March 24, 2018.