Belle City Marshal expresses disappointment in city’s mayor and council

Tuesday Belle City Marshal Joe Turnbough announced his disappointment in the city’s mayor and city council.

Turnbough said that the Belle City Council and the Belle Mayor Steve Vogt have decided to allow a former Belle police officer to be paid out of the City of Belle’s police department budget.

Turnbough said the action jeopardizes the safety of the citizens.

Turnbough said Belle does not have 24-hour police coverage and the move is going to reduce the amount of already limited police coverage for the city.

Turnbough said the city sometimes will not have police coverage, limiting officers ability to investigate crimes and respond to emergencies.

The former police officer will drive a marked police car, Turnbough said.

“I am disappointed in the mayor and city council’s decision to disregard public safety, and to reduce the amount of law enforcement coverage provided to our city,” Turnbough said.