BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
SOUTH LEBANON -- The resignation of Marshal Derrick Hollon last week marked the end of a controversy over dissolving the village police department, officials say.
"It closes this chapter with all parties leaving on good terms," Mayor James Smith said Wednesday.
Village council last week accepted the resignation of Mr. Hollon, the former village police chief.
He had been village marshal since August, when council disbanded the police department and contracted with the Warren County sheriff to provide protection to this village of 2,700.
The village is paying the sheriff about $190,000 a year.
As marshal, Mr. Hollon was stripped of his authority, and had been serving clean-up orders and working as a bailiff in the magistrate's court.
Council offered a $12,000 severance package for Mr. Hollon, which included a month's salary, and accumulated sick and vacation pay.
Mr. Hollon on Wednesday would not comment, under the advice of an attorney.
State statute requires municipalities to have a marshal, even if they contract with the sheriff for police protection, said Village Solicitor Jack Quinn.
But he said that law is outdated and he hopes to see it changed. "We couldn't justify the salary," he said. "That money could be better spent providing an additional deputy."
Officials said the transition to the sheriff has been smooth, and they have been pleased with the arrangement.
"It's been great," Mr. Smith said.
The sheriff's office has numerous resources, and small villages can't compete, Mr. Quinn said. "I think (contracting) is a trend of the future."
