NEW BLOOMFIELD, Mo. - It's almost official: police will once again patrol New Bloomfield.
Thursday evening, New Bloomfield Board of Aldermen members voted to authorize the cooperative agreement with Holts Summit. Holts Summit aldermen passed a similar resolution May 24 authorizing the city's police department to expand its coverage area to include its northern neighbor.
Three of four New Bloomfield aldermen voted in favor of authorizing the agreement, while Ward I Alderman Gary Hoelscher voted against it. He couldn't be reached for comment.
New Mayor Terry Shaw said he hasn't yet signed the contract but plans to. He said the department and New Bloomfield are working out logistics and patrols should begin "sometime next week."
"I think it's going to satisfy the need for law enforcement in a very efficient manner, and I look forward to getting started in the next few days," he said.
The agreement's terms go into effect "the date both Holts Summit and New Bloomfield execute this agreement." The contract lasts until Dec. 31 and does not automatically renew. Terms may be renegotiated before renewal.
New Bloomfield will pay a base amount of $20,000, although actual costs may be higher. The city's previous budget allotted about $14,500 for the police department.
If Holts Summit's insurance premiums increase, New Bloomfield will pay for that as well. Court costs, jail fees, transfer fees and other costs incurred as a result of actions taken in New Bloomfield also will be the city's responsibility.
Alderman Martha Siegel previously explained that New Bloomfield is taking money from several spots to be able to afford the $20,000. She said the city has about $7,000 that had been set aside for a new police car, along with two old police cars to sell, and is saving money by not having to pay insurance or salaries for the police department.
The city may prosecute city tickets and receive fines paid as a result of those tickets.
Holts Summit officers will be assigned to patrol New Bloomfield regularly, responding to calls and enforcing city code. Holts Summit will take input from New Bloomfield in determining schedules and officer assignments. Officers assigned to cover New Bloomfield won't be considered employees of the city.
Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism previously has said his department's deputies will continue to provide law enforcement support in New Bloomfield.
Shaw said he believes this will be a good solution.
"I think we're going in the right direction, and hopefully everyone will agree soon," he said.