NAPAVINE — Mayor Nick Bozarth was faced with a tough decision as he prepared his city’s preliminary 2010 budget.
“Do I fill the police chief position and lay off an officer, or leave it vacant and continue as we have?” he said.
So for one more year, Napavine will hold off on hiring a new police chief, as part of plans to balance next year’s budget. The city’s long-time police chief, Shelby Clements, announced his retirement in March.
The city’s police department will undergo further reductions, but Bozarth said neither of the two officers will be let go.
Officer Silas Elwood said patrolling the rural city is more than a two-man job, but that they’re doing the best they can.
“We would all like to see more guys out here,” he said. “But as long as we stay on top of things, it should be fine.”
Typically, working a shift by yourself is uneventful, but when things pick up, he’s forced to prioritize each call.
He hopes at some point the city could bring on a third officer to help fill some of the gaps in coverage, but realizes it could be some time before that happens.
“With the budget the way it is, we may not be able to add anyone for awhile,” Elwood said. “We’ve made adjustments before and we can do it again.”
Bozarth said he hopes to add five volunteer officers in the meantime to help out.
But first he and his staff must nominate one of the two full-time officers to the status of “Officer in Charge.” Bozarth said he’s still working to determine which officer that will be.
All other open city positions outside of the police chief will remain vacant as well.
Bozarth said several key business departures from the city have taken their toll on the city’s budget over the years. The closure of Uhlmann RV, the Rib Eye and the Kickstand alone have left a void of more than $130,000 in the city’s coffers.
Though the new city hall building has not become an albatross, it’s something the city still has to pay $70,000 towards, Bozarth said, adding that it could be enough to fill the police chief position.
The budget and outlook for 2010 is the same for 2009.
“We’re down a little,” Bozarth said. “Last year, we took a big hit, and now we’re just maintaining.”
It’s just about picking and choosing how the city moves forward, City Councilor Larry Stafford said.
“Everyone knows we’re in financial difficulty,” he said. “We’ll just do the best we can.”
Marqise Allen: (360) 807-8237
cdc
It will be just like Pe Ell, once the officers are gone, the patrol responsibility will be that of the Lewis County Sheriff. Napavine might seriously consider if they can better afford to contract with the county and close down the entire police department. Of course, the WOULD lose that revenue stream that their speed traps bring in... but that is another issue.
BlueBird
As difficullt as it looks, it's the right decission. The city went way over it's head with the new city hall (counting chickens before they hatched) and now the entire city is feeling the pinch. In the meantime, be good citizens and you won't need police.
Sam Spade PI
Tim Eyman wants to pass another bill to reduce goverment spending even more.How do the residents of Napavine feel about losing all of their police officers?How do residents of Napavine feel about volunteers running around town with guns?If residents of Napavine want to obtain more services such as better police protection, perhaps it is time to dig into their wallets.
Schillelagh
Love how the article never even mentions the other officers name. Lots of comments and even a picture of one of them though. Makes it seem like the appointment of Officer in Charge is already decided. Something smells in the city of Napavine, and I dont think its a homeless encampment.