Belle aldermen vote to contract police services to Maries County Sheriff’s Office

BELLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Belle Board of Aldermen narrowly approved a vote Tuesday night to subcontract police services in the city to the Maries County Sheriff's Office.

Belle Mayor Josh Seaver said he had to break a tie vote. The board of aldermen scheduled a public meeting about the move in December.

Seaver said the city is working on how it will be implemented.

"There has been a contract drafted, as a starting point," Seaver said. "There will be some fine-tuning before implementation."

Belle Marshal Joe Turnbough said he enjoyed serving the city.

"It has been a true honor and privilege to serve as the Belle city Marshal," Turnbough said.

Seaver said the marshal office could close as early as Feb. 1. In a message late Tuesday night, Seaver said the aldermen and the city's attorney will work to smooth out contract negotiations with the sheriff's office.