Hainesville debates keeping police department

Going opposite of survey results, Hainesville police received public support at a Tuesday night town hall meeting hosted by officials who are exploring whether to close the department and outsource law enforcement.

About 150 residents attended the meeting at Northbrook Sports Club in the village, which provided them with the first opportunity to speak out about the potential end of the 2-year-old department.

Resident Mark Ehrenberg reflected the sentiments of many in the crowd when he praised a three-minute Hainesville police response he received after reporting a break-in attempt at his home.

"We can't measure that in dollars and cents," Ehrenberg said. "I understand the economics."

Officials said revised figures show it would cost about $1.5 million in the 2010-11 budget year for staffing and construction of a Hainesville Police Department station. The police have been operating from village hall.

But two neighboring villages and the Lake County sheriff's office have submitted proposals to patrol Hainesville around the clock every day for less cost.

Total police costs would be $757,431 with Grayslake and $705,618 through the sheriff. Round Lake Park, which covered Hainesville from 1999 to 2008, is offering to police the village for $540,000 to $583,000 annually.

All residents and businesses received a survey on the police issue in January. Officials said 1,378 surveys were distributed and 368 were returned as of Feb. 20.

Of those who responded, 111 wanted to keep the Hainesville police, 165 selected Grayslake and 73 favored the sheriff's office. Round Lake Park's proposal was not issued when the survey went out.

While a white board prominently showed the results near where village officials were seated in the trap-and-skeet shooting group's clubhouse, speakers at Tuesday's town hall meeting mostly favored keeping the Hainesville Police Department.

Resident Lynn Tiffany questioned why an alternative to constructing a new police station can't be pursued. She added that Hainesville police are not just employees doing a job.

"The officers are role models for our children," Tiffany said. "I know they are for mine."

Some residents were concerned about the costs of keeping Hainesville police. Mayor Linda Soto said it's hoped a decision on the village's police force will be made by the end of March.

Trustee Gerry Daley told the crowd many residents raised concerns about the police department before the April 2009 election. He said officials are responding to the concern by studying the best way to provide law enforcement for Hainesville.

Hainesville launched its own police department in 2008 after a dispute over service costs arose with Round Lake Park. Hainesville has a chief, sergeant and three full-time officers augmented by eight part-time cops.

State requirements revised in 1999 forced Hainesville to shut its part-time police department. Instead of paying for officers to undergo more training as mandated, Hainesville opted to link with Round Lake Park.