To the Editor:
We were asked many times to respond to the acquisitions that were made by Joe Turnbough against the mayor and council members of the City of Belle. We feel that the best option is to simply state the facts, give an honest review and publish in the newspaper for all the citizens of Belle.
From the beginning of the Maries County policing contract, it was always the plan to bring back our police force. We greatly appreciate the dedication and service provided to the city by Maries County Sheriff’s Department. During that time, the city paid close to $200,000 a year for their services. Maries County is a large county, and while they did everything they could, many time our city was left unprotected. After much discussion, it was determined by the council that for the safety of our citizens and city, we would re-establish the police department. Therefore, the Belle Police Department was re-established, and it was voted to rehire Joe Turnbough as police chief. There was a lot of support and concerns voiced from community members. The mayor and council appreciated the support and understood the concerns, and at that time, promised a review before election. Joe has a big heart and is a good friend to many people in the community, including the council members.
The council voted to increase the pay for the position to $25.00 an hour to be competitive and allow Joe to focus on our community. It was with the understanding that he would be working with us to rebuild the force and would be starting from the ground up on minimal budget. Almost immediately, he could not adjust to answering to the council. He promised people positions and spent city funds without council approval. Joe was allowed to be the supervisor and create a schedule for his department. However, the mayor’s office had to step in and reinstate a schedule. Our reasoning behind this decision was because he would leave up to 3-day gaps without coverage, show up late, and leave town while on duty. He often referred to this schedule as “terrible and unrealistic,” however, it was the same schedule he had previously used as Marshall. He didn’t want to work any nights or weekends, which is unrealistic for the head of a department with a limited police force.
An example of this is the accident in town that involved four young men from our community in which one was trapped in the vehicle. Even though the Maries County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol worked the accident, several citizens expressed concerns as to why Belle Police Department did not respond. When questions, Joe stated that he was off duty. However, the reality is he had left town to go camping for four days without informing anyone of his planned trip. Also, Joe purchased equipment for vehicles we did not have or even plan to purchase. Joe stated he entered into an agreement with Chief Deputy Scott John to share patrol duties with Maries County and they would charge 50% of their contract price. Joe did not have the authority to negotiate the terms of any contract. The city approved a budget that terminated the contract, and it was our job to make it work. He demonstrated a total disregard toward the city.
Next, I would like to briefly address the letter written by Joe and published on Facebook. During his employment, Joe and Kayla spent several days driving together to set up dispatching for the police department. As mayor, I was getting upset. The city was promised coverage and our car and officer were out of town. This left the community unprotected, and I felt (it) could have been handled with a phone call or email. This occurred at a time when the city was under pressure to prove we could provide police coverage for ourselves. He rarely informed us of his intention to be gone, until we received a call from someone needing assistance. After the resignation of Joe and Kayla, Jerry and I were able to establish a dispatching contract with Gasconade County in one afternoon.
In response to the purchase of the car, he is correct in that it does not have the police package included. However, I made sure the care met all required specifications. This included but not limited to the bigger breaks, heat slotted rotors and speed rated tires. When we purchased the Dodge Charger, there was 4–6 month wait for a standard police vehicle. Jim Butler Motors, in Linn, Mo., was able to locate this car and provide a competitive price, have it shipped and delivered within one week. We felt the need for a reliable police vehicle was crucial to the growing of our police force, the safety of our officers, and the betterment of our community. We strive to better the department every opportunity we have. The parking of the new police car, was for a number of reasons, not just insurance. Getting all required documents to the insurance and adding it to the policy took a few days, however the car was not marked and did not have any emergency equipment installed at that time. We were also working with Maries County Bank to secure the loan. All this takes time, and while the car was in the city’s possession, it was not yet purchased.
To add clarification, the city council nor the mayor did not accuse Joe Turnbough or Kayla Bray of having an affair. However, the council expressed concerns that the perception of them spending so much time together alone in the car did not present a positive image and could lead to rumors.
The Belle Police Department has grown and continues to show progress. We have three full time officers, and recently purchased an incredible police K-9. Since February, Kimmon, the police drug dog, has assisted officers on numerous occasions, and has taken illegal drugs off our streets. We have provided our officers with updated equipment and purchased new bullet proof vests. The city will never put cost above the safety of our officers. We have signed into a contract with Gasconade County, and they have provided our dispatch services since January 1st. We were able to make a smooth transition. We are grateful to have positive working relationships with our surrounding counties. The police budget is one track and exactly where it should be for this point in our fiscal year. Police Chief Jerry Coborn has done an excellent job communicating the departments needs. He has reported to us frequently, asks for approval before making purchases, and gets council input on major decisions. He works diligently to keep the city safe. Sargent Mark Morgan and Officer Erican Sugg have shown to be an asset to the city as well. We hope they continue to demonstrate positive skills and grow with us.
The mayor nor the city council has any ill feelings toward the Maries County Sheriff or his department. I feel, Chief Deputy Scott John and I have a solid working relationship. As always, we will support their efforts at any time, and know they will provide the citizens of Belle the same respect. The mayor and council will gladly answer any questions or address concerns presented at the meeting being held March 22, 2023, at the Belle-Bland Community Center at 6:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there.
From Belle Mayor Daryl White, Jr.
Alderman Adam Padgett
Alderman James “Pud” Mitchell
Alderman Jeanette Struemph
Alderman Barbara Howarth
