Officials say pile of uncollected parking tickets just one reason behind decision to seek replacement

    Belgium is once again looking for a village marshal and whoever is hired will have to handle $1,725 of unpaid parking tickets.

    The Village Board voted unanimously Monday night to remove Marshal Brian Schrap from the position and advertise the job opening.

    Public Safety Committee Chairman Jason Acevedo said the committee recommended the board fire Schrap after Acevedo received an anonymous letter stating that the marshal was not reliable and there were several unregistered vehicles not being handled in the village.

    Acevedo said that he looked at record books and noticed dozens of tickets had been written, but none of them had been followed up on in a timely manner.

    “But that was a minor part of our decision,” committee member Vickie Boehnlein said. “There were several other incidents where he didn’t follow through with things that were much more significant in nature.”

    Boehnlein added that the village did not initially have clear procedures for handling tickets, but even after the system was clarified; it was not followed.

    Acevedo said the committee’s only requirement for the position is that it is filled by a village resident.

    “We’re hoping that someone brings a sense of responsibility to the position,” he said.

    The marshal, who is paid $3,000 annually, should average a minimum of four hours each week, Acevedo said.

    The marshal and Deputy Marshal Leon Anzia, who was hired in February, use a village vehicle to patrol the community.

    The marshals handle dog complaints and issue citations for parking and other ordinance violations.

    “I think when you look at the scope of the tasks that we’ve outlined, we’re not asking too terribly much from the people that we’re paying,” Acevedo said.

    Village President Richard Howells said Schrap served as the marshal for two years.

    Schrap could not be reached for comment.