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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 Multimedia 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 March 7, 2007 Gold Hill police to receive infusion of cash Council voted to take money from sewer reserves after raucous meeting By sanne specht Mail Tribune GOLD HILL — The City Council voted Monday to give its tapped-out police department an emergency infusion of cash from public works reserves after city officials traded angry accusations with department managers and members of the public. "We are not going to have this," said Mayor Dan Morris, attempting to stop several outbursts during the contentious four-hour council meeting. The meeting began smoothly with the presentation of student awards. But amicable discussions deteriorated into a pitched battle over the decision to pull $6,300 from sewer reserves to provide interim funding for the city's police department. Gold Hill Police Chief Dean Muchow said his department's current budget would not cover the demands of the 2006-2007 fiscal year. "It simply all takes more money," said Muchow. Advertisement Councilman Gus Wolf countered that the council should not give more money, and the two-officer department should be immediately disbanded. Wolf accused Muchow of leaving the town unattended during January's surprise snowstorm and failing to properly supervise Sgt. Hank Hobart. Waving a sheaf of citizen complaints before the chief, Wolf asked about the status of a City Council complaint filed against Muchow with a state regulatory agency. The former city auditor had raised serious concerns regarding Muchow's cell phone records and time cards, Wolf said. "We have allegations of fraud here," said Wolf. Muchow dismissed Wolf's claims as false. The cell phone allegations were investigated and dismissed by the Department of Government Standards and Practices last August, Muchow said. The investigation was dropped after the board deadlocked in a 3-to-3 tie. Wolf, Fish and former Councilwoman Donna Silva are currently under investigation by the same agency for allegedly participating in an illegal council meeting last October during which Muchow was placed on paid administrative leave. The complaint was filed by Council members Judith Holdeman, Scott Baker, Robert Ashton, Kathleen Price and others. Wolf said Muchow's investigation should be reopened given the findings of the auditor. Members of the audience applauded Wolf's statements as the two squared off. "If you've got an investigation, bring it on," said Muchow. Morris quickly called an unscheduled executive session at Muchow's request. Back in session about 45 minutes later, the audience of more than 20 people initially waiting in the City Hall parking lot had dwindled to about 10. Price chastised Wolf for speaking against Muchow. The mayor has formed committees to discuss these issues, she said. And the city is on probation with its insurance company because of its failure to operate in a professional manner, she added. "We, as a council, are supposed to avoid negative publicity," said Price. Fish and Wolf said problems with the police department must be publicly addressed. "You can't shove all the dirty laundry under the bed," Fish said. Fish made a motion to request a formal proposal from the Jackson County Sheriff's Department to provide police coverage for Gold Hill. Her motion was approved 4 to 2. Price and Ashton cast the no votes. Holdeman's motion to take the $6,300 from the city's sewer reserves to fund the police department passed 4 to 1. Fish and Wolf voted against. The money must be repaid in the next fiscal year, said City Recorder Mary Goddard. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary