Uhrichsville chief asks council for another officer

UHRICHSVILLE (WJER) (Feb. 1, 2022) – The city’s finance committee will be revisiting Police Chief Vince Beal’s request for a tenth officer. 

The department last year applied for a federal grant that would have covered the majority of the expense, but ultimately had its application rejected. Beal during Thursday’s council meeting told members that the need for additional manpower remains. 

“We run short. We run one guy on a shift a lot, and we really need at least another officer. Sooner than later would be great.” 

Service Director Belle Everett says Rescue Plan money may be an option since the Treasury has said municipalities can use those dollars to grow their safety forces. Councilman Jim Zucal says it’s something worth considering after carefully reviewing the city’s finances to make sure the addition is sustainable. 

“I’m sure we need more officers, but along with that comes vehicles and all the extras, and I’m just concerned about the community itself and the income tax revenue and the inflationary costs that we all see at home and we’re also seeing here at the city.”  

Amy Myers will be chairing the finance committee again this year but hasn’t yet said when it will convene to review Beal’s request. 

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