Belton Police may be merging with Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, what we know so far

Anderson County passed an initial ordinance approving an intergovernmental agreement between the Anderson County Sheriff's Office and the City of Belton to provide law enforcement services within the City of Belton.

The City of Belton will pay $1.2 million for the police department merger budget.

"The dedicated amount of funds aligns with our average police department budget cost," Belton Mayor Eleanor Dorn said. "In fact, the contract cost is lower than last year's police department budget."

The proposal suggests a five-year agreement that will allow all Belton Police officers, which includes an active lieutenant, sergeant, and eight deputies, to transition employment directly to the Anderson County Sheriff's office within a specific unit serving the Belton area.

"The City of Belton Police officers will continue to be led by Police Chief RJ Brown, and no jobs will be lost at the City of Belton Police Department during this transition," Dorn said.

Is the ordinance going to be passed?

The ordinance will undergo two further voting sessions to ensure its approval and implementation.

If both Belton City and Anderson County Councils approve the proposal, the merger will begin on July 1.

"The City of Belton is excited to announce that we are in the final stages of contracting with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office to provide law enforcement services to the citizens of Belton," Dorn said in a statement released by the city.

Dorn said this partnership would benefit both citizens and officers.

"This will also reduce our turnover rate and wage competition issues commonly experienced by small towns," she said.

If the proposed merger is approved, the City of Belton will be protected 24/7, with two deputies patrolling the city limits at all times. They will also have immediate access to any Anderson County Sheriff's Office special services they may need.

"This partnership will not only benefit our citizens but will also benefit our officers," Dorn said. "Once this plan gets rolling, I believe the only people in Belton who won't like this plan will be the bad guys,"

What sets Belton Police apart from Anderson Police?

The City of Belton Police officer's uniforms will display labels for the Anderson County Sheriff's Office and the City of Belton.

Their patrol vehicles will also bear stripes representing both departments.

This distinction in uniforms and vehicles allows for easy identification and differentiation between law enforcement agencies.

"Safety and manpower are essential for any agency, and we look forward to providing consistent service while adding to our diverse and devoted force," the Anderson County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Anderson County approves first reading of a police merger with Belton