Foley

The Foley City Council has voted to hire private security guards to patrol city streets next year.

Foley officials are putting plans to hire private security patrols for the central Minnesota town on hold. The City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday to go back to Benton County for a new police services contract.

The city of Foley and Benton County are still at odds over a contract for a police services. But the Sheriff says talks have been positive.

Foley will be the first Minnesota city to be patrolled by security guards, not police officers. The city council has voted to sign a six month contract with the private security firm General Security Services.

Foley is looking for new police protection. The city council has voted to end their policing contract with the Benton County Sheriff's department.

The Minnesota Department of Health has issued a boil order for the city of Foley's water supply. The health department says water sample tests showed the presence of e-coli bacteria on Thursday and Friday.

Parts of Highway 25 near Foley will be closed for repair work beginning on Monday.

Benton County Deputies will continue to patrol the streets of Foley, at least for now. During last (Tuesday) night's council meeting the council approved a contract with the county to run through June 30th.

The clock is ticking on a joint agreement between Benton County and the City of Foley that provides police services to the city. The Foley City Council will discuss the issue at their meeting tonight (Tuesday). Interim City Administrator Sarah Brunn says they're considering a combination option using the Sheriff's Department and also using a security company.

Cities across Minnesota are watching -- and waiting -- to see what the state does with their Local Government Aid. The city of Foley is no exception. Whether or not they have police service is in question.