Plans are coming together for a joint police department

Plans are coming together for a joint police department in St. Albans. The Franklin County sheriff covers the town now, but that will change next year. After reaching a deal on shared water services and police earlier this year, discussions on how to pay for it all are coming into focus. City and town residents will cover the approximately $4.8 million cost for the joint department. The cost will be split evenly and comes with a plan to hire four new officers. Officials say they hope the department will put a renewed emphasis on the drug crisis. Some people don’t exactly agree with the merger, but others think it’s a great idea. The plan will become official starting July 1, 2024.