Burr Oak begins outsourcing police

Burr Oak’s plan to outsource its police protection was completed Tuesday, when members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with the village.
Less than a week after village officials staged a special meeting to dissolve its department and accept the sheriff’s department proposal, the issue was put in motion with the county commission’s endorsement.
The department began its coverage Wednesday even though the contract states the official start date is June 1. According to terms of the contract, the department will provide coverage 40 hours a week at a cost of $75,500 a year.
Also, the county will pay for equipment and upgrading computers.
Village officials estimate the expense will save the community about $10,000 annually beginning in the second year of the five-year contract.
The county has a similar law-enforcement agreement with Fabius Township.