Two councils talk about idea of combining departments

Government leaders from Marionville and Aurora met recently to discuss the idea of combining their police departments.
While the idea of community policing is new in this area, officials noted it seems to be popular in the northeast portion of the country.
Local leaders voted to do no more than pursue and investigate the idea right now. Once more information is available, leaders will decide whether or not it is feasible to combine.
Leaders of both communities spoke of the importance of getting community input in the process.
According to a memo issued jointly by police chiefs Richard Witthuhn (Aurora) and Mark Webb (Marionville) and dialog at the meeting, the joint venture could be done on a two- to three-year trial basis, if the respective boards agree.
The chiefs suggested, as well, that an independent board evaluate the continuance of the program.
One idea voiced at the meeting involved creating a police district for funding purposes. However, by the September 25 meeting of the Aurora City Council, City Manager Tony Stonecypher had investigated further. He reported the state of Missouri does not allow for the creation of a police district. Likewise, John Woodard, city attorney, reported the municipal courts cannot be combined.
“We ask you to have an open mind to progress and the need for change,” said Witthuhn. “Mayberry is gone ... those days are gone.”
Marionville currently pays Aurora to provide 911 and booking services. Officers from each department have assisted the other as needs require.
“We build trust as we work with the officers,” said Webb.
Several people from Marionville attended the meeting.
“All the money will be absorbed in Aurora. What is spent at Marionville will go back to Aurora. We tried this with the county. The bigger one absorbs the smaller one. Overtime, Marionville businesses will lose,” said Joe Walker.
Later in the evening, Jeff Schatz, an alderman from Marionville said, “We are here to ask questions. The whole group is saying it likes the theory of this moving forward. We can get answers to some of our questions before going to the public -- we only have a theory now. A vote tonight is for the idea only to move forward and get answers. A lot of Marionville people are for it if it doesn’t cost more money.”
“The number-one complaint from citizens is we don’t have officers in Marionville like we should. Those people would be pleased if this concept works,” said Alder Phillip Harter.
The vote to proceed with getting more information was unanimous with those in attendance from each council.