Belle aldermen on May 11 discussed what to do with the Belle police car returned by Marshal Joe Turnbough prior to the meeting. 

“The spark plug wires have been cut and both doors show evidence that someone tried to get in,” said Mayor Steve Vogt. “Should we keep it and use it as a city vehicle or remove the lights, equipment, etcetera, and sell it as is?”

Tony Baretich, who was present at the meeting to deliver the Public Works department head report — despite the fact that aldermen are declaring that he is not the Public Works Director and that they do not currently have a director — said that he had to jump-start the car prior to using it to show an insurance agent around town.

Alderman Jeanette asked if the batteries had been switched out since the city had recently replaced the battery in the car.

“It looked new,” Baretich said.

Treasurer Theresa Taylor reminded the board that Turnbough is notorious for leaving the radios on in the vehicles, which may have drained the battery. Vogt added that at Sheriff Chris Heitman’s request, Turnbough removed the county radio that was in the car and installed it in his personal vehicle — since he is still a reserve deputy for the sheriff’s department.

Seaver suggested they keep the car for six months, since it is still insured, and use it as a backup vehicle for city business. If they don’t need it or use it in the next six months, they can sell it.

Aldermen said they liked the idea and asked how many miles are on the car.

“I think there are 107,000,” Baretich said.

Taylor added that the vehicle has already been sitting for six months, which could be a big part of the reason it is not working properly.

“He has spent $22 in fuel since I got here,” she said, referring to Turnbough.

Vogt added that they could let the dog catcher use the car if they take the equipment off first.

The board agreed that they would strip the car of the equipment and decals and keep it as a city vehicle for now. Turnbough’s resignation as marshal is effective June 1.