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Gold Hill needs cops, says resident survey By BUFFY POLLOCK GOLD HILL - A recent law enforcement survey shows residents are dissatisfied with current law enforcement protection, would prefer their own police department and are willing to support an operating levy to fund it. "Pretty much what we expected," said council member Donna Silva. The conclusions were drawn from 92 returned surveys out of 414 sent to water customers last month. City Recorder Tony Paxton said he was satisfied with the 22 percent response. "From what I've been told, if you can get above 15 percent, that's considered a good response," he said. The council reviewed the results at a recent study session. It also heard a proposal by Randy L. Rupe, owner of Rogue Valley Security, to provide policing services on contract. "We would assume policing responsibilities for Gold Hill and assume all liability," Rupe said. "Basically, what we're offering is a uniformed law enforcement presence. We carry no outside hand guns. Visual deterrent is usually enough. Only about three dozen people out of the 1,200 in Gold Hill are ever going to commit a crime. We would be local and be able to get more involved with the community." Rupe's services would come with a price tag of $18.50 an hour per officer. Currently the city has one month left in a contract with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department for $61 an hour. The contract will be renegotiated in July if the city decides to continue the arrangement. If the city decides to contract with Rogue Valley Security, Rupe said the city would be "just like a corporation with paid, contacted security." "In essence, the city would be like private property," he said. Paxton said the city needed something in the interim while deciding on a long-term solution. He expressed concern about increasing incidents such as graffiti and underage drinking. "We have a lot of teenagers with nothing to do out here in Gold Hill, and that's going to become more and more of a problem with summer months approaching," he said. Silva suggested trying the security company on a temporary, part-time basis. "Maybe start with some code enforcement just to get a feel for them," she said. Paxton said staff would continue to research funding available to the city and decide how much money was needed to establish a police department. "In terms of running a police department, we could not have one with funds currently available. We would definitely have to have a levy and the people have indicated they would be willing to support that." The council will discuss the survey findings and possible options for law enforcement at its June 4 meeting. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.