It is tough to know when you have a bargain when it comes to the government. Last week, the Hanover Town Board signed off on a new policing agreement with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department.

As part of the deal, the town and village of Silver Creek will continue to share a deputy and patrol vehicle 24-7 throughout the upcoming year, in addition to the base level coverage every municipality in the county receives. The terms of the agreement call for quarterly payments in the amount of $78,314.13 from both the town of Hanover and the village of Silver Creek, for a total contract price of $626,513 for 2024.

What does not always sit well with those from the town and village are the rising costs each year. Municipalities consistently blame inflation as well as higher costs from the state.

“Obviously (the contract costs) are escalating, at a rate of about $60,000 a year. That’s certainly not something the Town is going to be able to absorb, in partnership with the Village,” said Town Board member Bernie Feldmann Jr. “We’ve got to do something.”

Frankly speaking, they already have – more than 10 years ago. In June 2013, the village of Silver Creek bravely dissolved its police force.

At that time, payroll costs and benefits alone were more than $400,000. By ending that unit of service, the village and town have saved greatly.

Increasing costs are something every government entity is dealing with. As far as this corner is concerned, the town and village are getting a bargain with this deal – and they are doing it the right way.