ROTHSCHILD, WI (WSAU) — It’s been one year since the Everest Metro Police Department and Rothschild PD combined forces.
Rothschild Administrator Ryan VanDeWalle says the partnership has been a positive for all communities, but officers are beginning to feel a bit cramped in their workspace. The department currently operates out of what was the Rothschild PD headquarters at Village Hall, which VanDeWalle says wasn’t designed for a larger department. “That office space really was meant for 20, maybe 22 officers. We currently have about 40 or 41 officers. So we are almost double what that [space] was meant for.”
VanDeWalle says they aren’t looking to rush into anything just yet, so don’t expect to see dirt move on a new HQ anytime soon. Though the Mountain Bay Metro PD Oversight Board is in discussions with a Twin Cities-based consultant to evaluate its options. “[We want to be] cost-effect in this transition, however we decide to move forward. [We don’t want to] spend money in areas that we shouldn’t be.
“That’s what our board is doing. We want to prioritize the officer’s space, [give them] the space that they need to be successful,” added VanDeWalle
The Board is currently looking at building designs and feasibility studies. No specific timeline for when land acquisition or construction has been established.
Other topics VanDeWalle discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- PFAS filtration update
5:30- MBMPD update
Comments