Hebron, IL — Tensions are rising in Hebron as residents voice their frustration over a troubling situation within the local police department. Chief Peter Goldman, already under scrutiny for his leadership, is now proposing to outsource patrol duties to the McHenry County Sheriff's Department. This proposal comes at a time when the department’s budget is in the red, leaving taxpayers questioning why their money is being used to compensate for what many perceive as the police chief’s failure to lead.
Budget Shortfall and Costly Outsourcing Proposal
The local police department is struggling financially, facing a significant budget shortfall. According to residents, the situation has deteriorated to the point where Chief Goldman is attempting to contract out police services to the county, proposing to pay upwards of $70 per hour for each deputy from the McHenry County Sheriff's Department to cover patrols. (Based on previous patrol costs incurred from the county sheriff.)
This proposal has sparked outrage, particularly because the village is unwilling to pay its own officers—specifically its sergeant—anywhere near that rate. Reports indicate that the sergeant currently earns only about $23 per hour, a stark contrast to what the county deputies would receive.
Community Outrage Over Pay Discrepancy
Residents are furious over both the chief’s apparent dereliction of duty and the stark pay disparity.
"We're paying the chief a salary of reportedly $70,000 a year—how many patrols has he done?"
The local school board president was just at the last meeting complaining about inaction from the chief. He refuses to go on calls. He’s more worried about the paint in his office than the residents. And now, we’re being asked to pay the county $70 an hour for patrols, yet we won’t pay our own sergeant a fair wage? How can we justify that?" said one local taxpayer.
For many, this situation reflects misplaced priorities. Some argue that rather than outsourcing essential police functions, the village should be investing in its own force to ensure stability and accountability.
Emergency Meeting Called
An emergency meeting has been scheduled for Monday to address these growing concerns. Local residents are being urged to attend and speak out against the chief’s plan to outsource police services—especially when it appears that he is neglecting his duties. The meeting will provide a crucial platform for the community to demand accountability from Chief Goldman and the village trustees.
"We cannot continue to pay for someone to do what our own police department is supposed to be handling," said another resident. "The chief needs to either step up or step down."
Call for a Vote of No Confidence
In addition to attending the meeting, Hebron residents are being encouraged to contact their local trustees and demand a vote of no confidence in Chief Goldman’s leadership. With the police department’s budget in jeopardy and the chief seemingly unwilling to fulfill his responsibilities, many feel that a leadership change is necessary.
"We can’t let this slide any longer," one trustee supporter said. "We’re being asked to waste taxpayer dollars, and it’s not even for our own officers. It’s time for the village to take a hard look at what’s really going on here and hold the chief accountable."
A Village at a Crossroads
Hebron faces a growing crisis, with residents not only dealing with a strained budget but also feeling the impact of a police department in disarray. As other small communities grapple with similar challenges, Hebron’s situation highlights the difficult balance between maintaining local policing services and managing financial constraints. However, for many, the idea of outsourcing vital public safety services—especially when the village’s own officers are underpaid—is simply unacceptable.
Monday’s meeting will be a turning point for the village. As tensions rise and frustrations mount, residents are making their stance clear: they demand accountability, transparency, and, most importantly, a police force that serves their community—not one that shirks its duties or shifts responsibility onto others.