KIMBERLY, Wis. (WFRV) – The Village of Kimberly is apparently looking at the possibility of changing police services from the Fox Valley Metro Police Department.
According to a press release from the Village of Kimberly, residents are invited to attend listening sessions regarding the future police services. The sessions will reportedly be held at the Municipal Complex – Evergreen Room at 515 West Kimberly Avenue.
Sessions will be held on June 16 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and both will be identical, officials said. The Fox Valley Metropolitan Police Department and the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office will have presentations.
Officials say that residents who attend will learn of possible financial savings and can compare police coverage and services during the listening sessions.
The Village says that after a 30-year partnership with the Village of Little Chute, it is looking at the financial viability of continuing the partnership. It was mentioned that the exploration for possibly changing police services is strictly financially related, and the performance and professionalism are ‘highly valued’.
Below is the full release from the Village:
Kimberly residents are invited to attend listening sessions centered on future police services. Listening sessions will be held at the Municipal Complex – Evergreen Room 515 W. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly, WI 54136 on Monday, June 16th at 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Each session will be identical and include presentations by the Fox Valley Metropolitan Police Department and the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department. Residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and share preferences as the Kimberly Village Board explores the possibility of a change to police services in the future.
After a thirty-year partnership with the Village of Little Chute, the Village of Kimberly is looking to the future as it pertains to the financial viability of continuing the partnership as growth within Kimberly is limited and Little Chute’s growth possibilities are robust. Weighing anticipated future reinvestment needs for evidence storage facilities and potential expansion of the current safety center led the Village of Kimberly to engage in conversation with Outagamie County. The initial dialogue was centered on the possibility of leasing space for evidence storage which Kimberly learned was not an option. The potential for contracting with Outagamie County for police services specific to the Village of Kimberly was discussed and preliminary costs for said services was received. This instigated further exploration which leads to these planned listening sessions.
The Village of Kimberly is clear in stating repeatedly that this exploration is strictly focused on the future long-term financial viability of the joint police department. The performance of the police professionals with FVMPD has been and continues to be highly valued.
Residents will learn of potential financial savings as well as be able to compare police coverage and services during these listening sessions and Village Elected Officials will be on hand to listen to feedback and learn preference.
Village of Kimberly
The Village of Little Chute provided the following statement:
The Village of Little Chute is currently providing requested information to the Village of Kimberly and working in collaboration with Fox Valley Metro Police Department to support Kimberly’s evaluation process. We understand that the Village of Kimberly is exploring alternative options for police services, primarily due to cost considerations related to their share of the joint department. This decision-making process in no way reflects on the strong and collaborative relationship between our two communities. The Village of Little Chute values its long-standing partnership with the Village of Kimberly and is committed to maintaining a positive and cooperative relationship moving forward.
The Fox Valley Metro Police Department was created to provide efficient, cost-effective policing services. The structure is based on mutual benefits, and we believe it is appropriate for both participating communities to periodically evaluate their service needs and financial commitments.
While the Village of Kimberly continues their review, the Village of Little Chute is preparing to evaluate and adapt as necessary to ensure that the policing needs of our residents remain a top priority. The Village Board of Trustees remains firmly committed to delivering high-quality, responsive police services for our community. Should the Village of Kimberly choose to pursue alternative police services, the Village of Little Chute will work with Fox Valley Metro to assess the department’s future scope and focus, ensuring continued excellence in service delivery to our community.
Beau Bernhoft, Village Administrator
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No additional information was provided.
