To the Editor:
I want to set the record straight. My first year of office on Malvern Council I realized the excess money from 2001 was no longer in the village funds. The previous village administrator spent all the revenue. It would take many years to recuperate the loss.

Council has restructured the village administrator position and tightened the budget. In 2002, the Police Department spent over $200,000, which was way over budget. This in turn, forced council to borrow $60,000 from the Water Fund. I feel this was due to very bad judgment on the part of the village administrator, since it was put in his hands. This, along with the salary of the village administrator, exhausted any excess money the village had in reserve.

The Malvern Police Department cost the taxpayers over $130,000 in 2006 and was in need of vehicles. It was council's decision to contract the Carroll County Sheriff's department because of the rising cost of operating the police station. The contract consisted of 79 hours of staggered coverage. The village would pay all expenses for the substation with the exception of long distance calls. Deputy Kenny Yost would stay in the village and patrol for 40 hours a week. Yost would have better medical coverage and his hourly rate would be higher. All other expenses would be the responsibility of the Sheriff's Department. The cost of the contract, which began May 1, 2007, and ended April 30, 2008, was $86,000. As you can see, this option was the better route to take.

When it came time to renew the contract, the remaining budget for the law enforcement officer was $28,000. The Sheriff's Department could not afford one 40-hour officer to patrol the village at that price. With the cost of living increase due to the union and the cost of gas, it was not possible for the sheriff to have an officer in the village. It would cost over $90,000. This was not justified in council's opinion. After reviewing the amount and description of calls answered by the Sheriff's Department, it was our decision to go on a month-to-month basis with the Sheriff's Department, allowing them to continue to use the substation. The village would cover all expenses of the substation and the Sheriff's Department could still have a base in Malvern. This would keep the law enforcement agency close to the area. It would also be at little cost to the village. In November, council would meet with Sheriff Dale Williams and discuss a new contract if needed.

As for the sign posted in the window of the substation, it is my opinion it was very irresponsible of the people involved. They did not have the residents' safety in mind. The residents have always had to call the Sheriff's Department for assistance. Even when we had the Malvern Police Department here seven days a week, 24 hours a day, we had to call the Sheriff's Department.

The residents of Malvern will be protected in the same way as always. Yes, we are on a first come, first serve basis. We also have numerous law enforcement officers living in the area. With the exception of Carrollton, our village is the most protected in the county.

One of the other issues of major concern for residents is village revenue and how it is spent. All financial records are public and can be viewed at village hall during regular hours. The decision council made is for the benefit of the village. Saving $90,000 will enable the village to have matching funds for grants to fix the streets, pay the water department back and have a reserve for any emergencies. It will take a few years to accomplish, but I am confident this will happen.

Angela Lambert
Malvern, OH 

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