The city of Lecompton is exploring the possibility of forming its own police department.

City representatives and Douglas County commissioners will meet tonight to discuss the police issue and to consider improvements to Woodson Avenue, the town’s main east-west street, which is also a section of County Road 1023. Sheriff Ken McGovern also has been invited to the meeting.

“We’ve been asking advice of other counties and localities to find out more about what a small town does for a police department, how they pay for it, etc.,” Lecompton City Councilman Bruce Liese said.

Commissioners also will decide whether to accept a low bid from Hamm Cos. for $179,198 for repaving Woodson and County Road 1045 from U.S. Highway 24-59 to the Jefferson County line.

In a July 18 letter to commissioners, Lecompton Mayor Roy Paslay said the City Council wanted to discuss the Woodson Avenue project with the county. Historical rock along the road is being damaged because of the washing away of ditches, Paslay wrote. That damage could spread to the street, he said.

Paslay suggested that the street improvements be a joint effort between the city and county using money saved by the closing of the Kansas River bridge at Lecompton while it was repaired earlier this year. The bridge reopened last month.

“It is an honor to have Constitution Hall nominated for one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas,” Paslay wrote. “We would like to preserve the historical rock along Woodson Avenue to add to the town’s historical importance.”

The meeting will start at 6:35 p.m. in Lecompton City Hall.