HAMPTON -- Franklin County supervisors and members of the Hampton City Council met in joint session this week to discuss law enforcement and plans to build a sheriff's office.

Other topics will likely surface during future meetings.

"I know for a fact we'll have conversations about sharing dispatch," said Jerry Plagge, chairman of the board of supervisors.

Where the conversations will lead, though, is uncertain.

Options raised Monday include combining the Hampton Police Department and Franklin County Sheriff's Department or maintaining both independently but sharing a building. Others would be to share dispatch and holding facilities or to keep the departments separate.

Councilman Bill Hodge agreed it makes sense for the county to handle dispatch duties but raised concerns about how the operation would work and who owned the equipment in the first place.

Plagge and Sheriff Larry Richtsmeier explained the county's 911 board owns the equipment, but supervisors and council members could discuss where it would be and how many employees are needed.

Richtsmeier also noted both departments would have access to the same information currently available, which was a concern of Councilwoman Karen Schmidt.

Supervisors did not plan on discussing the other issues but said they will pursue the topics if citizens express interest.

Schmidt also questioned whether combining the departments would cost less.

"I'm not sure how we could save dollars and offer the same quality service," she said.

Sheriff Richtsmeier said saving money would be unlikely. Washington County combined law enforcement departments and did not save money, though it ran more efficiently, he said.

Whether the departments combine or not, county supervisors plan to build a sheriff's office.

"It's been one of our main projects," Supervisor Corey Eberling said. "Especially after 9/11 we knew we needed to have more organized law enforcement."

Officials believe the existing courthouse space is too small. The sheriff's department also needs a decontamination facility, which the new office would include. Other features will depend on how officials divide $1 million budgeted for the project.

The county bought land south of the former Park School, and the space does allow for future growth.

"I think our facility we're designing will accommodate what comes down the road," Plagge said.

Contact Laura Andrews

at laura.andrews@globegazette.com.