A referendum is needed for voters in Carroll to be heard, some say. Others argue that it would infringe on commissioners? ability to manage the county.
A vote to create a county police department with an appointed chief in Carroll County hit Annapolis on Wednesday. About 25 speakers argued for and against a referendum at the Senate judicial hearings committee.
The bill, proposed by Sen. Larry Haines, R-District 5, and supported by his Senate delegation, would replace commissioners? unanimous vote, cast without a public hearing in October.
“I?m not here representing the sheriff?s office, I?m not here saying one form [of enforcement] is better than another, I?m here for the people of Carroll County,” Sheriff Kenneth Tregoning said. He objected to the fact there was no public hearing before the commissioners? vote. He also said the sheriff?s office should be expanded if more police coverage is needed.
The referendum would also abolish the resident trooper program, by which the county contracts 46 state troopers tobe stationed in Carroll County.
County officials say the cost to the taxpayer would be the same whether the sheriff?s office is expanded or a police force commissioned.
Commissioner Julia Gouge does not agree. She voted not to expand the sheriff?s office because she thought it would increase costs.
Gouge defended the commission?s action as open and transparent
“We did follow the state law in every respect,” Gouge said. “We had a vote, but it was on exploring the possibility of going to a county police force.”
The commission held two public hearings after the vote.
Michelle Jefferson, a resident of Westminster, defended the sheriff?s office.
“You?re not deciding for the commissioners, you?re not deciding for the people, you?re not deciding for the sheriff,” Jefferson said to lawmakers. “You?re giving us the tools to let us do what we need to do.”
On Friday, the House of Delegates will hold a hearing on the referendum bill. If it passes, the referendum will be on November?s ballot.
