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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 6, 2005 Rogue River police department fully staffed By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — After struggling with understaffing for two years even as call volume increased by more than a third, the police department is back to its full complement of five officers. But the respite may be short-lived, city officials said. "We’re enjoying this week," said Chief Ken Lewis, referring to the recent hire of Officer Robert Buren. The department expects to answer 3,000 calls for service by the end of this year, Lewis said. But two years of termination, resignations and transfers have kept the department short-staffed and struggling. Having five officers is a necessity in order to provide full coverage without overtime or burnout, Lewis said. Advertisement Although the department is fully funded at $496,513 for this fiscal year, its ability to retain a full complement of officers will lie in the hands of residents who will vote on a local option tax in November, said City Administrator Mark Reagles. Reagles said the department’s costs have risen to a point where current property taxes and revenues from the general fund can no longer fund five officers and a police clerk. The proposed levy would maintain a five-member police force and increase the police clerk position from part-time to full-time, Reagles said. If passed, the levy will impose a tax of 67 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value — or $134 per year on a $200,000 home — beginning fiscal year 2006-07. A total of $430,671 would be raised through 2011. Passage of the levy will depend on a 50 percent voter turnout in the Nov. 8 election. Buren’s position is one of two open for fully certified officers. Chris Hanson — a reserve officer from Gold Hill — is filling in with a six-month contract that ends in November. Hanson’s current training level as a certified reserve officer did not qualify him to apply for Buren’s position. The city was seeking a certified officer with a minimum of two years’ full-time, paid law-enforcement experience. Hanson will return to his former position in November, said Gold Hill Police Chief Dean Muchow. "Officer Hanson will be returning to the fold," Muchow told Gold Hill council members on Monday. Buren, 38, is a six-year veteran officer from Madras. Buren heard of the Rogue River position in May and applied. "I fell in love with the area," said Buren. "It seems like a good place to raise a family." Buren, married with two young sons, began his first shift on Sept. 29. Lewis said 26 officers initially applied for the position. But only 12 were approved for interviews. The search continues for a permanent fifth officer to replace Hanson when his contract is up, said Reagles. Although funding for the position is guaranteed only through June 2006, Reagles is hopeful the city can get a qualified applicant. "We have a preference for a fully certified officer," said Reagles. "But we’ll take applications from non-certified officers." Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail Rogue River police department fully staffed ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Student Loans Online Pharmacy tcg student loan consolidation Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Casino Gambling Sites Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Salvia Divinorum Advertisement s