Babbitt to maintain police department

In a special council meeting and study session, the Babbitt City Council agreed to maintain its police department.

While no official vote was passed, the study session consensus amongst council membersasstatedbyCouncilor Duane Lossing was that, “the community wants us to have our own police department… it’s not gonna be perfect, but it’s better than losing our police department.”

After exploring potential mergers with Breitung, Ely, and East Range Police Departments, and a contract with St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the community and council voiced their desire to maintain the department, despite overtime hours and understaffing issues.