RINGGOLD POLICE DEPT 11-20-12

money as the mayor said it would. the sheriff says-- it'll cost the town dearly -- to have his deputies take over the department. right now-- the future of the force remains uncertain. the story is new tonight with crime reporter chris redford. last week, the mayor of ringgold said it would save the town more than 100- thousand dollars to do away with the police department and let the bienville sheriff's office take over.. but according to the sheriff.. it'll cost the town that much... and then some. "My lowest paid deputy makes as much as the chief of police does if that gives you an idea. For six people it's going to be a lot of money. There will be six new vehicles. It takes 35- thousand dollars per unit to get it in operation and it's going to be a substantial amount of money." ballance says he would only take over if it's what the people want.. and judging from the crowd at tuesday night's special town hal meting... it's not what they want. those who spoke out say they want tokeep the police department just the way it is.. the mayor refused to talk afterwards.. "What's your reaction to the... no comment. What? No comment. About anything? Not a thing." earlier in the meeting, when discussing next year's budget... the mayor told council it costs 260- thousand dollars a year to operate the p.d.. that's a huge chunk of the general funds... the council now has three choices. keep th department the way it is.. pay the sherif to take it over.. or just do away with the police department's budget all together which would mean an extra burden on balance. "I'd have to give the citizens the same police duties we do outside the parish inside the city limits." something ballance is prepared to do if necessary, but he admits it'l be tough considering he's already two deputies short. no word when the mayor and council wil reach their decision. ringold, chris dford ktbs 3 newsthe governor'sfice d apoint an tipice chief til a special ection can be held in april. ricky pearce says-- he does not plan ke any major changes to the department. aincludes firinany oficers. the company that manages two