Amanda Purcell and Logan Weiss are reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Germantown Town Board August 7, unanimously approved a new local law to abolish the town's police force. “The decision to abolish the police department was difficult to come to for all the board members,” Town Supervisor Robert Beaury said. “...We believe we are acting in the best interest of the community.” The law is subject to a permissive referendum. If residents submit a petition to the town clerk within 30 days of the board’s decision, the matter will be put on the ballot for a vote in the general election November 6, Beaury said. The board also approved taking legal action against the department's officer-in-charge, Brian DuBois, a member of the department since 1995. Peter Schuyler, DuBois’ attorney, said the decision to disband the police department was the result of longstanding animosity between Beaury and DuBois. “There is definitely some personal agenda involved,” Schuyler said. Attorney Corinne Smith, a partner at Whitbeck, Benedict & Smith, read a statement on behalf of the board following a brief executive session August 7, saying the town suit against DuBois seeks to suspend his access to town-owned firearms. Town officials did not specify why the lawsuit was necessary. Beaury said the elimination of the department will not lead to less police coverage in town. “We are covered by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and state police at no additional charge,” he said. “Those services are provided to every municipality. We have entered into an enhanced agreement with sheriff’s office for court’s security.” The Germantown Police Department was established in 1973. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.