TILTONSVILLE — Among residents’ complaints regarding uncut grass, camper and boat ordinances, there were also inquiries Tuesday involving an upcoming police levy renewal that will appear on the November ballot.

A 5.1-mill renewal levy that generates around $80,000 annually for the Tiltonsville Police Department will go before voters Nov. 8.

A few residents had some questions for Village Council about the levy and what it goes toward.

Village resident Steve Laposki first brought up the matter during Tuesday evening’s Tiltonsville Village Council meeting. He said when the levy was originally brought up years ago, it was meant to help the village increase wages to bring in more officers as well as provide 24-hour service. However, he said he recently was told that in an emergency situation, residents should call 911 and not the police department directly due to the lack of around-the-clock service.

Mayor Jason Staskey responded that dialing 911 in case of an emergency is a practice that has been in place around the area for some time, not just in the village, as the 911 center performs the dispatching.

“If they’re (Tiltonsville officers) on duty, they’ll be dispatched. If they’re not on duty, it’ll be Yorkville. If Yorkville’s not on duty, then it’s going to be the county or state patrol. They’re going to call who’s in the village first,” he said.

Laposki said the village needs more of a police presence. There is currently only one full-time officer — Police Chief Jerry Davis Jr. — and a part-time officer that the village was able to recently hire after approving a raise last month. Full-time officers now earn $17.50 per hour, and part-time officers make $15 per hour.

In response to a question, Staskey said the village has only had one applicant for the full-time officer opening in the last year with the individual turning down the job due to the pay.

Whether the upcoming renewal levy passes or not, Laposki said there needs to be “improvement in budgeting, scheduling, improvement in transparency and openness, evaluations and accountability.”

“The hiring, the way we do it, is not successful and there needs to be more of a police presence in town with the resources that we have, and that includes up at the school,” he said.

The police chief also received a $3 per hour wage hike last month, bringing his pay from $17.50 to $20.50 per hour.

“The only way we can entice people to come to town to work is to give wage increases that are a living wage. We attempted to do that, but ever since then we’ve been getting torn down. Not saying it’s you, but we’re trying to make improvements to get more people. Give us a chance to do it and we’ll see how things work out,” Staskey said.

The need for a new police cruiser was also brought up. Councilwoman Kelly Klubert said the department needs a second cruiser as a backup in case something happens to the first and that it would help even out the wear and tear on the vehicle.

Resident John Cothran Sr. asked council what happened to the “other levies” that were meant to raise police wages to bring in additional officers.

“Was there not enough money?” he asked.

Staskey said there was not enough money built up, though they have given raises, it just has not been enough to bring in new hires which is why they implemented another raise last month.

Resident Mike Roby also inquired about the levy. He asked Davis how many hours a week and what days he is on duty.

Davis replied that he works 40 hours per week between Monday and Thursday, typically three days per week.

Roby took issue with the fact that residents are unaware which days police are on or off duty. Council said it could be a safety concern to announce the exact times and dates, with Davis adding that it varies each week.

Roby said they need better police coverage in the village.

Staskey said they have hired a part-time officer and are hoping to hire additional officers to meet the needs of the village.

In other matters, Roger Warren, a member of the Lions Club, presented council with a check for $250 to be used for beautification projects in the village. The club donated checks to three communities — Tiltonsville, Yorkville and Rayland. He suggested the funds be used to purchase flags, veteran banners or something for the holiday celebration.

“We hope this gesture is received in good faith and used as intended,” he said, adding that the group is always looking for new members and projects.

Also, a resolution to purchase a new 2023 police cruiser was approved. Davis said the total cost for the cruiser is $45,455. The village secured a $30,000 grant for the purchase with the village contributing $15,000 for the remaining cost.

Council next meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at the municipal building, located at 222 Grandview Ave.