FREMONT, WI- The small village of Fremont in Waupaca County has taken a significant step as it finds itself without a police department. At a special meeting held on Monday, the Fremont Board of Trustees voted unanimously to dissolve the department due to staffing challenges. Instead, they opted to contract with the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.
This decision wasn’t made lightly. Board President Bobbi Marks acknowledged that similar discussions had taken place in the past. However, with the current staffing constraints, it was deemed necessary to reconsider this option. The meeting saw a notable turnout from community members, many of whom expressed their desire to maintain a local police presence.
Marks outlined some of the challenges faced by Fremont, including budgetary limitations and difficulty in attracting and retaining officers. The village struggles to offer competitive benefits and salaries compared to neighboring departments. Additionally, Fremont is currently without a police chief after the selected candidate resigned shortly after accepting the position.
The decision to dissolve the police department reflects long-standing difficulties in hiring and retaining staff, according to Marks. This move underscores the ongoing struggle faced by many small communities in maintaining essential services.
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