Johnson City to Continue to Share Police Chief With Binghamton

Police Chief Joseph Zikuski and two assistant chiefs will continue to split their time between the City of Binghamton and Johnson City for at least another year as the village board has opted to continue the deal with the city for shared police administrative services.

The board was split on the effectiveness of the agreement and cost benefits. Some board members said the agreement limits communication between the police ranks and administration, restricts higher promotions among officers and may not save the village a substantial amount. Other village officials say the amount saved makes the  agreement worth continuing at least in the near future.

Binghamton Mayor Matthew Ryan has commented that the village is saving about $200,000 while the city is saving half that amount through the shared services agreement.

The village and city share payment of salaries and benefits for the three police administrators. The village pays about $173,597 under the deal.