ELIZABETHTOWN -- Essex County lawmakers decided Monday against providing Sheriff's Department foot patrols to combat crime in Keeseville's downtown.

The Keeseville Village Board had requested the foot patrols because of an alleged growing noise and vandalism problem caused by unruly youths loitering in the Front Street business district.

The County Board of Supervisors directed Keeseville officials to look at State Police aid for the problem instead, and Village Mayor Meegan Rock said she would also endorse that solution.

Rock said Monday afternoon that she's working out details to keep the State Police substation in the Keeseville Civic Center open.

MOVING EQUIPMENT

The future of the substation had been in jeopardy because State Police were told they couldn't keep their vehicles in the Village Garage anymore. But Rock said they're rearranging the village's heavy equipment so the cars can stay.

"I gave them (State Police) back their garage. We had put our equipment there. We needed that space."

The village is selling one piece of heavy equipment, she said, and two new trucks that have been ordered won't be delivered for two months.

"We should have it all organized by then. The troopers aren't going anywhere. I like them here, too."

Many residents had expressed dismay that State Police might close the substation, but Rock said it was a misunderstanding that's being rectified.

Sheriff Henry Hommes said he was offered $10,000 a year by the Keeseville Village Board to start foot patrols but would need the authorization of the County Board of Supervisors.

At the board's Finance Committee meeting Monday, the request didn't make it out of committee.

"This is probably the hottest topic we've had," Supervisor Gerald Morrow (D-Chesterfield) said. "People are worried the State Police are moving out of Keeseville. They don't want the State Police to move out."

He said some residents told him they're worried about the Sheriff's Department taking over for the State Police.

"I am in no competition with the State Police," Hommes said. "It's a very important function to have that State Police office in Keeseville."