Dundees OK police consolidation study

East Dundee and West Dundee officials voted unanimously to participate in a study to determine the viability of consolidating the police departments in both towns, as well as with Sleepy Hollow.

East Dundee Village President Jerry Bartels also voted in favor of the measure, however, the outcome of a Sleepy Hollow village board vote was not immediately available Monday.

West Dundee Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said the study still would be worthwhile if only two towns agreed to participate.

"The preliminary results will likely be financially positive either way," Cavallaro said.

West Dundee Village President Larry Keller reiterated that the study was a preliminary step in consolidating police departments.

"We will investigate whether the police departments are compatible and whether it would work," Keller said. "This is something we all want to discuss and see if it makes sense before we go any further."

Cavallaro last week invited East Dundee, along with neighboring Sleepy Hollow, to participate in a Metropolitan Mayors Caucus study to determine how compatible the three communities are in areas such as organization, operations and community.

The study also would provide a preliminary recommendation and assessment, including a financial impact forecast.

In a letter to the village president and board of trustees in East Dundee and Sleepy Hollow, Cavallaro said consolidation may provide 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.

The study would cost each village $7,500, but the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus has committed to paying half the costs for select participants.

Study: Consolidation may provide better, more cost-effective law enforcement, one mayor says