One area community may soon be without a designated police department.

Howard County Sheriff Jeff Oswald and the New Franklin Board of Alderman discussed eliminating the New Franklin Police Department at the most recent meeting of the Board on January 11, 2021.

Mike Wise, police chief of the New Franklin Police Department, announced via Facebook on Tuesday, if the department is eliminated, the city would instead rely on the Howard County Sheriff’s Department, which in turn, would have a dedicated officer in the southern part of the county. The change is expected to save the city money while bolstering the Sheriff’s Department.

According to Chief Wise, he was not privy to these discussions, as he was in the hospital with COVID-19.

Wise went on to say that the article states the City has no coverage when Wise is not in town. Wise claims that this is incorrect and a part time officer covers the area when Wise is not available.

Wise says if the police department is disbanded, the city will lose the emergency management director and floodplain administration for the city. Since Wise fills both of those roles, this will place a burden on the citizens.

Residents are urged to speak to Mayor Arbogast and board of alderman regarding this issue.

KMMO reached out to Mayor Arbogast who was not available for comment at the time. KMMO will follow this story and update when new information becomes available.