Voters triple police time in town
by Matthew Wilson
NORTH TROY — The big issue for residents of Troy was made clear at Town Meeting on March 4. Many desire to see more law enforcement in town. Townspeople spoke their minds about speeding and drugs and Orleans County Sheriff Jennifer Harlow was there to talk about the service the town receives. A vote to increase hours her department patrols Troy was another part of the proceedings.
Troy has regular issues that make residents concerned about crime. The Troy Elementary School in North Troy has had a series of trespassing incidents, one of which locked down the school. Near the school, a residence where many residents say drug use is an open secret also concerns parents. The killing of Kayla Wright was another crime that resonated with the community. Her body was discovered off River Road not far from the park at Big Jay Falls in what many believe was a drug-related killing.
To address public concerns, the select board opted to increase the number of hours of patrol time that the town is contracted to receive from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department. The increase will bring Troy up from six hours a week to 20. The increase means a substantial rise in law enforcement costs. While the contract cost $20,130 in 2024, the new contract costs $67,600.
Sheriff Harlow talked about the work that her officers do for any incident. She said paperwork and booking goes along with a case or arrest and is factored into what towns pay for. Sheriff Harlow said the increase in hours would allow deputies to be in town more often.
Select board member Gaston Bathalon said that the increase in hours is intended to address residents’ concerns.
“I think the sheriff’s department does a wonderful job for us, and I think without this increase what you see in the village and town is not going to get any better on six hours a week,” Mr. Bathalon said. He told the meeting the sheriff has been responsive to questions from the select board and in addressing residents’ concerns in meetings.
“It is unfortunate that we have to triple our budget for law enforcement, but what else are we able to do?” Mr. Bathalon said. “It’s not going to get any better unless we do something.” When the town voted, the article was passed without complaint.
The only other item to see major discussion was the budget for the roads, coming in at $759,171.50. Some residents argued in favor of voting down the article, saying that the figures were too high.
“That’s a lot of money for 42 miles,” resident Art Limoges said. He said that he thinks the highway department could save by using less sand. “They put so much down that when it thaws, you’re driving in mud. When that dries, it’s a dust storm.” Others said that the quality of repaired roads is great, but the cost of supplies and services continues to rise. When the issue came to a vote only a few voices opposed passing the highway budget.
Voters decided to eliminate the position of constable. Select board members said a person has to have law enforcement training to arrest or charge people for breaking the law. There were some questions raised as to whether or not the town might find a need for the position in the future, but members of the select board said that is unlikely. The article passed.
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