MILLVILLE, Del. - After months of discussion, Millville is holding off on plans to create its own police force.
Town Manager Debbie Botchie called it "a dead issue," but said talks could resurface in the future. Last month, the town council unanimously rejected a proposal to study police and public safety.
"They just didn't feel it was warranted," Botchie said . "The crime in Millville has been low. We have the same as other towns that have full blown police departments."
The town of 544 full time residents relies on Delaware State Police for protection. The town set aside office space with computer access at town hall for troopers to spend more work time in the area.
Given the population, crime rates and current coverage, Botchie said now is not the time for the town to undertake a new department.
Costs also played a factor. Botchie said the town would likely have to triple tax rates and fees to maintain its own police force. Each new officer could cost up to $150,000. The town manager pointed to a 2008 survey where a majority of residents said they wanted a police force but were not willing to pay extra for one.
"It's always nice to have but for the amount of people here and the costs of it, everything like that, I don't think it's cost effective," said Tom Chenoweth, of Millville.
Botchie said the council is following public safety in town. She said she has frequently seen state troopers patrolling the area and using the space in town hall.
"I see them in the daytime," Botchie said. "They can come in here, they can do their paperwork, they can take their lunch."
Plans for a regional police force with neighboring agencies fell through. Millville considered striking a deal allowing Ocean View police to patrol within its limits; council members rejected Ocean View's proposed charge of $119 per hour, Botchie said.
Sussex County allocated some funding to towns without police departments to cover public safety, Botchie said. The town will continue to pay for additional state police protection on holiday weekends, she said.
