Cicero Supervisor wants a vote to decide police department's future

by: Chet Davis (NCC News)

October 27, 2010 12:30 p.m.

Cicero, N.Y. – The future of the Cicero Police Department might be put on the hands of its taxpayers. Cicero Town Supervisor Judy Boyke wants the taxpayers to decide whether to keep or eliminate its police department.

Boyke plans to recommend the town board allow a local law to get rid of the police department and let the taxpayers vote. The town would need to have a public hearing before the board could vote on the law.

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney recently told town officials to avoid the additional costs of a police department. Instead, Mahoney advised that Cicero rely on the county sheriff’s office and state police.

Cicero Police Chief Joseph Snell believes the sheriff’s office and the state police cannot match the work his department currently does. “Right now the state police and sheriffs do not have the man power not the staffing to provide the same level of service that we provide to out communities,” Snell said.

Snell went on to defend his department and the work it provides the community. "Every member of this department is dedicated to this community, committed to this community and the safety of this community," Snell said. "So the department is not pleased with the referendum to abolish the police department."

Cicero is expected to spend $1.69 million a year on public safety, for a police department with 12 full-time and 10 part-time officers.