City vows to keep independent police By Jim Cornelius

Sisters will keep its own police force, at least for the forseeable future. The Sisters City Council unanimously affirmed that position in their March 27 meeting.

Sisters Police Chief David Haynes has urged the city to explore consolidating services with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Department as a way of coping with the city's ongoing financial problems.

The city faces a budget shortfall that could force the elimination of two police officers' positions.

Mayor Steve Wilson said he brought the issue up to let the public know where the city council stands. Wilson said he is concerned about giving up local control of police services.

"I'm committed to maintain our independence," he said.

The other councilors agreed.

"I feel the presence of the police department in the city is really important," councilor Kathy Pittman said. "And they've come a long ways in the past few years and I'd hate to lose that."

Pittman asked for Haynes' opinion.

"You're the boss," he responded. "We'll do what you want."