The Fox Valley Metro Police Department covers Kimberly and Little Chute. PC: Fox 11 Online
KIMBERLY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As the village of Kimberly considers pulling out of the Fox Valley Metro Police Department, it is inviting citizens to listening sessions where they can learn more about options.
Village leaders say they have questions about the financial viability of the police department, which it shares with the village of Little Chute.
“Weighing anticipated future reinvestment needs for evidence storage facilities and potential expansion of the current safety center led the Village of Kimberly to engage in conversation with Outagamie County,” the village said in a news release.
“The initial dialogue was centered on the possibility of leasing space for evidence storage which Kimberly learned was not an option. The potential for contracting with Outagamie County for police services specific to the Village of Kimberly was discussed and preliminary costs for said services was received. This instigated further exploration which leads to these planned listening sessions.”
Kimberly leaders also pointed out that the village has far less room for future growth than Little Chute, which adds to the financial concerns.
The public listening sessions are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. June 16 at the Evergreen Room inside the Municipal Complex, 515 W. Kimberly Ave. The sessions will include presentations from the Fox Valley Metro Police Department and Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office.
A Kimberly departure would leave Little Chute as the only remaining municipality served by Fox Valley Metro police. In 2017, the Combined Locks village board voted to leave the department, opting to contract law enforcement services from the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office.
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