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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 12, 2007 Gold Hill resident launches recall effort By sanne specht Mail Tribune GOLD HILL — As the City Council struggles to present a public image of order and unity in the face of a threatened insurance cancellation, the police department remains a lightning rod for public debate in Gold Hill. Gold Hill resident Deborah Davis has begun recall proceedings against staunch police supporter Councilwoman Kathleen Price. Gold Hill needs leaders who can admit the city cannot successfully operate its own municipal police department, she said. "The police department in Gold Hill has never really worked, so why do they want to keep doing this over and over and over?" Davis said. In recent months, the city's police chief was placed on administrative leave while allegations of fraud, harassment and other claims were investigated, and the city's auditor resigned after questioning "the openness of the city's leadership." Chief Dean Muchow was placed back on duty Jan. 9. After an extensive statewide search, the city has secured the services of an auditor from Roseburg. But Gold Hill remains on notice from City County Insurance that the town's $1 million liability insurance policy could be canceled on Feb. 28. Advertisement Davis, who moved to Gold Hill in 1964, said she is upset Price does not appear to be taking CIS cancellation warnings seriously. Price is protecting a failed police department to the detriment of the city as a whole, she said. "I'm frustrated and disgusted," said Davis. "(Price) keeps saying she's speaking for us, and she's not. She's one-sided. There are other options. The (Jackson County) sheriffs are offering (to provide Gold Hill with police coverage.) Why isn't this being discussed?" Price, who signed recall papers in a failed recall attempt against council members Jan Fish and Gus Wolf and former Councilwoman Donna Silva in May 2006 (which was initiated by newly-elected Councilman Scot Baker), said she does not know Davis and did not want to comment further on the recall effort other than to say: "She has a right as a citizen of Gold Hill to take out recall papers on me." Charles Johnson, a 32-year Gold Hill resident, spoke at Monday's council meeting. The insurer has made it very clear they do not want to continue offering liability coverage for the city's police department, Johnson said. And the public has made it clear it does not want to support increased funding. The November 2006 Gold Hill police levy failed by a two-thirds margin, he said. "I love this town," said Johnson on Tuesday. "But we have a major issue here. I don't think the average citizen of Gold Hill realizes what's going to happen to their tax bill if CIS pulls out. When the mayor goes up to Tigard, I would like to see the sheriffs' proposal go up with him." Councilwoman Jan Fish said she is glad others are coming forward to say it's time for Gold Hill to consider getting out of the municipal police business. In addition to the ongoing unresolved complaints about the department, SORC (Southern Oregon Regional Communications, the valley's emergency dispatch service), costs grew from $7,000 to $24,000 last year, Fish said. "We have a real problem with the necessary oversight and higher costs related to having our own police department," said Fish. Councilman Gus Wolf, who voted against Muchow's return, said the police department remains a source of liability for not only the city, but also its residents. "We only have a million dollar policy — if we can keep it," said Wolf. "I have more than that on my pool." Wolf said the city has a standing offer of police coverage from the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. County deputies could provide Gold Hill coverage for between $85,000 to $100,000 a year, he said. The Gold Hill police department costs the city $180,000 annually — more than $15,000 a month, Wolf said. "And (Chief Muchow) has requested another $6,000 because he has only $500 budgeted in gas for the next five months," said Wolf. The topic has not received its due council consideration or public hearing. The current police station could be used as a substation for other state and county police agencies — which could further decrease costs, he said. "I can envision something like the White City substation," said Wolf. "It would be great for this end of the valley. And our town is located on two highways, plus a freeway." Price remains unwavering in her support of the Gold Hill Police Department, she said. "My dedication is to Gold Hill and its citizens," said Price. "There are a lot of citizens who are police supporters I have personally spoken to." Mayor Dan Morris will have a half hour to plead the case for Gold Hill before the insurance board in Tigard on Wednesday. If the board members are not convinced the council can manage its liability issues, CIS will cancel Gold Hill's insurance effective Feb. 28, said CIS Executive Director Noel Klein. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? 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