Mt. Kisco Approves Police Consolidation With County
After more than three years of negotiations, the Mount Kisco Village Board unanimously approved consolidating its police force with the Westchester County Department of Public Safety Monday night but not before criticism from several residents.
The intermunicipal agreement still requires approval from the county Board of Legislators. According to the county, if consolidation goes forward, Mount Kisco would save about $2.4 million over the first five years.
The first payment by the village to the county would be $6.4 million. The agreement would expire at the end of 2019.
“This did not happen overnight,” said Mayor Michael Cindrich, adding that it was “the right thing to do.”
Resident Kim Terlizzi demanded a public referendum, saying she feared a loss of police services.
Another resident, Richard Romeo, said a formal public hearing was needed before trustees could vote. Cindrich defended the process.
“There’s a referendum every two years,” he said, referring to the village elections.
Mount Kisco Police Chief Joseph Spinelli has supported consolidation. Cindrich read a letter from PBA President Carlos Lopez who also endorsed the agreement.
