KIMBERLY — The village of Kimberly is reconsidering its 30-year partnership with the Fox Valley Metro Police Department in favor of contracting with the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office for policing services.
Village Administrator Danielle Block says the decision stems from concerns about rising costs.
"Larger investments that we are faced with right now related to evidence storage and the future of the safety center which sits in Little Chute," Block said.
These immediate concerns led to a broader discussion about the long-term financial implications of maintaining a joint police department.
"We estimate it's in excess of $200,000 to $250,000 annually," Block said.
The news came as a shock to Fox Valley Metro Police Chief Daniel Meister and his department when they learned of the plan in April.
"We were very surprised," Meister said.
The potential change has created uncertainty among the police staff.
"Obviously the reaction was somewhat concerning because the staff here? They don't know what this means. Obviously we all want to stay as Fox Valley Metro," Meister said.
Meister emphasized that the department hopes to preserve the relationship with Kimberly.
"How can we work with the villages to sustain this partnership? That's kind of been the ongoing mission," Meister said.
If Kimberly proceeds with the change, it would follow Combined Locks as the second village to end its partnership with Fox Valley Metro, leaving Little Chute as the department's only remaining partner. Combined Locks left their partnership in 2017.
Block noted that no final decisions have been made, and Kimberly is inviting residents to attend upcoming listening sessions to share their opinions on the plan.
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**Below is a previous version of the story before tonight's broadcast.**
The Village of Kimberly is reconsidering its working relationship with the Fox Valley Metro Police Department in favor of the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office, the village has confirmed to NBC 26.
According to Danielle Block, Administrator & Director of Public Works for the village, plans to reconsider the partnership started after "the initial dialogue was centered on the possibility of leasing space for evidence storage which Kimberly learned was not an option."
Block also mentioned the "financial viability" of continuing their 30-year relationship with Fox Valley Metro Police Department as the driving force behind the discussion.
However, the village says they are still focused on figuring out the long-term viability of Fox Valley Metro.
"The Village of Kimberly is clear in stating repeatedly that this exploration is strictly focused on the future long-term financial viability of the joint police department. The performance of the police professionals with FVMPD has been and continues to be highly valued."
The village is planning on holding listening sessions on Monday, June 16 at the Municipal Complex, in Evergreen Room 515 W. Kimberly Avenue, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
