Two Dundees, Sleepy Hollow may explore merging police forces

West Dundee is inviting East Dundee and Sleepy Hollow to participate in a study to determine the feasibility of combining the three police forces.

In a letter to the village president and board of trustees in East Dundee and Sleepy Hollow, West Dundee Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said consolidation may provide for better and more cost effective law enforcement services to the greater Dundee Township area. Cavallaro estimated the three departments allocate about $5.8 million for police services.

"These trying economic times continue to pressure municipal revenues and service delivery obligations," Cavallaro wrote in the letter. "Consolidation of service delivery is one way to consider being able to continue to improve upon services to the residents and businesses of our communities."

The study, which the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus will conduct, would determine how compatible the three communities are in areas such as organization, operations and community. The study would also provide a preliminary recommendation and assessment, including a financial impact forecast.

Participation in the first phase of the study will cost each municipality $7,500. However, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is committed to covering one-half of the cost for select participants.

Cavallaro said West Dundee would consider a resolution accepting participation at its May 3 board meeting.

East Dundee Village Administrator Frank Koehler said it is not clear what form the merger or consolidation would take.

"There are a number of aspects to consider," Koehler said. "Will it be a consolidation or intergovernmental agreement? We don't know."

Although discussions are at a preliminary stage, village officials say they are amenable to evaluating the opportunity to share services.

Saving money is a major factor, East Dundee Trustee Paul vanOstenbridge said.

"With the economic situation the way it is, why not investigate ways to save money - as long as it isn't degrading services," he said. "It is something we need to look into if there are potential savings."

But that doesn't mean this is a first step in creating one larger municipality, he said. "If you look at how the police departments work now, they all back each other up. This is a way to see if there would be an economic benefit."

Sleepy Hollow officials could not be reached for comment.