After ending discussions about expansion or relocation of the DeKalb Police Department for months, city officials will revisit the issue this week, City Manager Mark Biernacki said.

Biernacki said he plans to talk to Police Chief Bill Feithen to better understand the issue.

“We’ll dig into it and hopefully move forward,” Biernacki said.

The issue has been on hold because of the budget, Mayor Greg Sparrow said.

The current police department, located inside the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St., has been in use since 1967. Since then, the department has expanded from 35 to 57 officers, which does not include other staff members, Feithen said.

Options for the police department include an addition to the Fourth Street location or a new building in another part of town.

Feithen said he would prefer a building north of the railroad tracks. Possible locations include the current Ax In Hand building on the 800 block of West Lincoln Highway or a location on Dresser Road west of the park district building on Sycamore Road.

The police deal with the majority of problems coming from the north side of town, Feithen said. Avoiding train tracks would make it easier to get to their call volume, he said.

Because of costs, Sparrow said he prefers the department to expand its current building.

“There isn’t any doubt we need more space,” Sparrow said. “We will have to get by. We will still provide service.”

When asked about the ideal time to see a new department, Feithen didn’t hesitate.

“Ideally,” he said, “1999.”