The mayors sat side by side at the pinnacle of the table, the leaders of two towns coming together for the interest of the greater community last Thursday night. The Police Chiefs sat to the right, elbow to elbow, ready to answer questions. All other interested parties, the city councils, clerks, city manager, and attorney made up the rest of the line of officials at the front of the room. This was the town hall, and the room was packed.

Everyone knew the proposition: join the Tama and Toledo Police Departments into one more efficient service. With citizens of both Tama and Toledo filling out the audience, eager to know the ins and outs of the historical change, the show began.

Public comments started rolling like a ball down a steep hill. Curiosity was piqued, and questions flew left and right. Fiscal queries dominated, as the mayors explained that the savings were the main reason for the change. The budget for the service would be a 50/50 split between both towns until the next census, when population would then determine the split. It was stated that the joining of the departments is a baby step towards possible further unification of services or departments between the towns.

Other discussions touched on how a single police department would keep individuality for the community with continuing 24-hour service compared to contracting with the Sheriff’s office.

Although there were comments from those in favor of the merger, and the occasional comment from those opposed to the joining, the majority were curious, and that’s who the town hall was for. It was to answer questions, give information, and dispel rumors, as nothing has been decided. Yet another step forward to a merger of the police departments has been taken.