By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Niles Township residents seem to have a never-ending list of questions for two potential supervisors, with the biggest issue concerning police coverage.
"Yes I've heard a lot about the police issue, whether it's fact or fiction, I'm not sure, but I'm honestly kind of tired of hearing about it. We have other, more important problems going on in the township than worrying about something that happened three years ago," Bruce Greggs, a township resident for 27 years said.
According to current supervisor William Myers, that's exactly where the problem lies.
"So many facts and figures are wrong and most people are not hearing the truth about many of the township's decisions, including the choice to contract with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department. It's all more or less hearsay and to be honest, I'm not even sure where some people are getting their information from," Myers said.
Niles Township disbanded its police department in October 2005 after four unsuccessful attempts to seek funding from its residents to operate its police department.
The township approved a three-year contract with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department, the cost of which escalated each year, from $676,467 in 2006 to $704,649 in 2007 and $731,651 in 2008.
This year, the township is asking residents for a 1.5-mill levy, which will allow the Sheriff's Department to continue patrolling the township if it is passed. If not, the township will not have any police coverage whatsoever.
"We are asking that this 1.5 mill be dedicated to the police department. This will be entirely up to the residents. If they vote no, we will not have police protection in Niles Township. If they vote yes, it will continue," Myers said.
He added that the reason residents are being asked for a mill is simply because the township cannot afford to pay for the department on its own.
"It comes down to funds. Some people think we are a wealthy township and that is far from the truth. We've had to pay for the police coverage out of general fund money and we cannot continue to do that," Myers said.
He said if the vote is passed, the township will receive approximately $530,000 to cover the cost, which doesn't foot the entire bill, but it's a big help to the township.
"If we don't keep this going, it's going to be a terrible thing. When we decided to hire the Sheriff's Department, it turned out to be excellent for the township. I would be upset to see it go away," he said.
As for the rumors going around about the township's decision to hire Berrien County when the Niles City Police Department offered a lower bid, Myer said people need to first check their sources.
"That's one story that is false. The Berrien County Sheriff's Department actually offered the same package as Niles City. The difference is that the Sheriff's Department saved us $100,000. People should not pass judgement just by what they hear," Myers said.
Residents are concerned with other problems involving the township, including new businesses, taxes, Eastgate Shopping Center and more. Myers said he understands people may be ready for a change, but things do not come as easy as they may seem.
"It's easy to want to see things change, but when you don't have the funding, you can't do much. I just had to call the Berrien County Road Commission and put a stop on road projects for the township. Our roads are in horrible shape and we don't have the equipment to fix them. Now, we don't even have the funding," he said.
Myers, whose 10-year tenure as supervisor will come to an end in December, said he hopes the new supervisor understands what they are in for.
"This is a part time job, but really, it's not. We have no township manager, so the supervisor is left with several tasks. This township definitely needs a manager, but with no funding, we cannot afford one," Myers continued. "And this is coming from someone who has had this job for several years. It's a lot of work. You just can't run the township part-time. People need questions answered, work has to be done, decisions have to be made. The supervisor will do the job a manager should be doing."
Both Jim Kidwell, a Niles City Police officer, and Kevin Tonkin, Township Trustee, announced last month that they are running for the supervisor's position.
Now, according to Myers, another candidate, David Spurlock, has stepped forward and made his announcement last week that he will run.
"Dave is a great guy and he has my backing 100 percent. He has some very good ideas, he understands the police decision and, in my opinion, is a great candidate for this job," Myers said.
Spurlock's annoucement as well as information about his decision to run will be featured in Wednesday's Daily Star.
"Dave and Jim Kidwell are the only two candidates so far have filled out their paperwork and are definitely running," Myers said.
Tonkin has yet to file, Myers added. Filing deadline is Tuesday, May 13 at 4 p.m.
"What I really want to see is someone in here who knows what they want and who plans to make the township a better place. They have got to know what it takes to be a supervisor of this township and they have to be ready and willing to listen to residents and find the best possible solutions for problems," Myers said.
He added that the township has always had an open door policy if residents have any questions or concerns.
" They are always welcome to voice their opinions. They can come directly to the Township Hall or they can attend our meetings, which are the first and third Monday of each month," he added.