Selectmen float possibility of May vote for contract deputy, or two

Maine State Troopers David Coflesky, left, and Kyle Wells just days after State Police took over Lebanon coverage in 2012. (Rochester Voice file photo)

LEBANON - Selectmen on Thursday discussed the possibility of putting a question on the May referendum ballot asking residents if they would like to pay the freight to have more police coverage.

The idea was floated that there were basically two options for upgrade. One, the most expensive, of course, would be to create a town police department like Lebanon had almost 30 years ago.

The other would be to contract with the York County Sheriff's Office for one or two or even three deputies to cover the town.

Each officer would cost about $100,000 a year, according to Selectmen Chair Chip Harlow, plus it would be another $35,000 for their vehicle.

Harlow said he thought one deputy would only be enough to cover the town a third of the time, but that two might be enough.

Selectperson Laura Bragg agreed with Harlow that maybe it's time to let the people have a say.

Selectman Paul Nadeau said he was opposed to any change, adding State Police are doing a fine job.

Both Bragg and Harlow said a lot of residents are for increased coverage and a lot are against it, which is why it may be time for a vote.

Nadeau reminded selectmen that a question on the ballot to hire a contract deputy was rejected by voters several years ago.

Selectmen agreed to set up a meeting with York County Sheriff Bill King next month to hear his presentation on utilizing a contract deputy.