CROYDON — Residents will discuss the status of the Croydon Police Department during a special Town Meeting next month after the topic ignited a firestorm last month, when the town voted in favor of contracting with the town of Newport for police services.
No binding votes will be taken at the May 11 meeting, Croydon Selectboard members said on Tuesday night, according to a video of the meeting.
After residents at March Town Meeting voted, 48-36, to get rid of the Croydon Police Department, some said the vote was binding and meant the town would contract with Newport police this summer, while others said it was simply a non-binding poll.
Newly elected Selectboard member Joe Marko on Tuesday night said an attorney has since concluded the March vote was unlawful and non-binding.
The Selectboard said it didn’t feel there was a need to hold the special meeting, but the citizens who petitioned for it still wanted to gather.
Reached on Thursday, newly appointed Selectman Ian Underwood said “there are no plans to change” who polices the town. That means Police Chief Richard Lee, the sole police department employee, retains his position.
Lee said he’s hopeful that’s true, but he’s worried his position could still be in limbo because the Town Meeting minutes haven’t been changed. Voters approved $41,000 for policing as part of the broader budget article.
The special meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on May 11 at the Croydon town hall.