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Mount Kisco, County Agree To Police Consolidation Terms

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. -- Mount Kisco and Westchester County have agreed to terms for the proposed police consolidation agreement, according to officials from both sides.

Photo Credit: File Photo

Mount Kisco Mayor Michael Cindrich acknowledged agreement when speaking with reporters following the Village Board of Trustees' meeting on Monday night. However, the mayor explained that the agreement has not been signed and is still subject to review from the county's Human Resources commissioner.

Ned McCormack, communications director for County Executive Rob Astorino, described the update as an "agreement in principle" and that there is agreement on major terms. He agreed with Cindrich that the county's Human Resources commissioner still has to review the terms.

McCormack also explained that details need to be worked out on issues involving Civil Service law and union contracts.

The deal, according to McCormack, is subject to approvals from the county's Board of Acquisition and Contract, of which Astorino is a member, along with the county's Board of Legislators. Mount Kisco's Village Board of Trustees would also need to approve it.

The two sides are considering having the county's Department of Public Safety hire the bulk of Mount Kisco's law enforcement staff and to assume policing responsibilities in the village. 

Under the proposal, the county police would use the local police station as a base for detectives and patrol officers. The consolidation has been proposed to include more manpower in Mount Kisco and has been projected to save the village more than $2.4 million over a five-year period.

Consolidation with the county has support from the village police department's PBA along with Police Chief Joseph Spinelli, who was previously PBA president. The link with the county is designed both to save money and to help with staff size.

Talks between the two sides have been ongoing since 2011, Cindrich has previously noted.

 

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