Nashua council OKs agreement with Sheriff’s Office

Hemann emphasizes ‘we are here to assist, not take over’

By Jennifer Lantz, Nashua Reporter

The Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office will provide support to the Nashua Police Department for the next three months after the Nashua City Council this week approved a temporary agreement.

Under the agreement, the city will pay the county $19,024, divided into three equal payments, for the Sheriff’s Office to help provide law enforcement coverage between Aug. 7 and Oct. 31.

The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors agreed to the contract at a meeting last week.

The Nashua Police Department is down to two police officers after the resignation of Police Chief Travis Marvin last month, and Interim Police Chief Ben Scholl is currently attending the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, leaving one full-time officer and reserve police officers available for duty.

The two departments will work together to share law enforcement services, duties and responsibilities.

“We are here to assist, not to take over,” said Chickasaw County Sheriff Marty Hemann. “The key is working together and I am looking forward to this temporary agreement.”

Hemann reported to the council he will be writing a report every month and keeping track of hours. He will also be releasing press releases as needed.

Scholl said he will be available to help out during the Big Four Fair, which brings numerous visitors to the city over the Labor Day weekend.

Also on Monday, the City Council approved forming a committee to study placing a splash pad in the city.

At a meeting last month, council members decided a 20-by-20-foot splash pad for an estimated $40,000 would be too small for area children to play on safely.

Resident Shelly Johnson said at the meeting this week she is in favor of getting an estimate for a larger splash pad, but realizes this would be more expensive. Johnson asked for the council to approve seeking an estimate on a 30-by-30-foot or 30-by-40-foot water feature.

She also asked if it would be OK if a committee was formed to check into the expenses, fundraising, grants, a site and more information about a splash pad project for Nashua.

Johnson asked the council if there would be any money in a renovation fund which could be used for this project?

Mayor Butch Betsinger replied, “If there was it would go toward Main Street.”

City Clerk Rhonda Dean reminded Johnson there is a pool committee already in place that has raised more than $150,000 for a pool. Johnson suggested the pool could be added at a later time.

Anyone who would be interested in volunteering for this project can get more information from City Hall.