44°
To the Editor:
The Lewisboro PBA needs to advise taxpayers of what is occurring. They have the power to get answers and stop the Town Board and police chief from further unnecessary spending.
The Town has decided to add a full-time position to the police department. In these economic times, is this a wise decision?
Nine months ago, the Lewisboro Town Board decided to cut patrol coverage to one officer on patrol, cutting approximately 110 patrol hours a week, and laying off three part-time officers, all for financial reasons. If hired, a full-time officer would have paid vacation, 14 paid holidays, personal days, unlimited sick time, in addition to receiving health and dental benefits. While [the full-time officer was] on vacation, or out sick, a part-time officer would be paid to cover the full-time shift. Part-time officers do not receive any of these benefits. Simply stated, if we don’t work we don’t get paid.
The model of the part-time police officer works in surrounding towns and it has worked in Lewisboro for decades. The only thing to change recently is our leadership.
Money is desperately needed to replace vehicles (with over 100,000 miles on them), replace failed equipment, including the in-car computers, and to restore patrol coverage to protect the residents of the Town.
You, the taxpayers, need to know where your tax money is being used before it is too late.
Tom Ritchey
President
Lewisboro Police Benevolent Association
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