The Iola Police & Public Protection Committee voted to maintain three squad cars in service and recommended the purchase of new speed limit signs during its meeting July 7 at Iola Village Hall.

Chairperson Pamela Parks called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. with members David Harper and Jim Rasmussen present, along with Police Chief Paul Zierler. Clerk/Treasurer Laura J. Krogwold and Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Missy Fenn also attended.

Harper made the motion to keep three squad cars in use. Rasmussen seconded it, and the motion passed.

The committee took no action on the process for hiring part-time officers after determining the current system is working well. Chief Zierler reviewed alternative less-lethal defense options besides tasers and concluded that tasers remain the best use of resources. The topic will be revisited in one year.

In another action, the committee recommended purchasing four 25 mph speed limit signs to be installed at each end of Division and E. Iola streets. Harper made the motion, and Rasmussen seconded it; the motion passed.

Officials presented results of a Division Street speed study, which identified no problems. The results will be posted on the Police Page of the village website for public review.

Committee members also conducted a mid-year budget review. No future meeting was scheduled.

Rasmussen made a motion to adjourn, which Harper seconded. The meeting ended at 10:15 a.m.