Don Vares asked the Newton Board of Aldermen for some relief with incidents of gunfire and speeding near his home.
On May 25, Vares said he called 911 multiple times to report gunfire in the area and cars that were speeding down the road. One of the vehicles speeding came down the road without its headlights on.
“We didn’t get any response from a police officer that night,” said Vares, who is a former alderman. “It needs to be dealt with. I want it stopped.”
Police Chief Harvey Curry said that typically the city only has two on-duty police officers at all times, although during the summer months he tries to add part-time officers to help with an increase in incidents. Right now, however, Curry is down a full-time officer, and due to disability from a recent medical issue, Curry was not able to return as full-time police chief until Monday.
“We are short right now,” Curry said. “We need more officers.”
Alderman Eric McCalphia said he would like to see additional help.
“We need more of a police presence,” McCalphia said. “If we only have two officers per shift, then we need more officers.”
Newton County 911 director Brian Taylor, who attended the meeting, said that his dispatchers take the call and then relay the information to Newton Police officers within minutes.
In other business, the aldermen approved spending $4,902 to purchase three new radios based on the state bid price. City Clerk Charlene Evans said they only have budgeted $4,375 remaining in the budget for the year. The remainder would have to come from one of the police department’s line items to cover the remainder of the cost.
The Police Department will apply for up to $5,000 in the JAG grant program. These funds could be used next year to assist with purchasing more radios for the police department.
The board approved a one-eighth page ad in the Appeal for its first responders section.
Payments to Neel-Schaffer, Engineering Plus and East Central Planning and Development District in the amounts of $20,600, $26,509 and $10,000 (two $5,000 payments) respectively were approved as funds become available.
Doris McMillan, who is retiring this month, was hired as a part-time employee effective Oct. 1.
The Mayor-Youth Council will receive funding to help with registration, travel and hotel for an upcoming convention not to exceed the amount already budgeted for the current fiscal year.
Perry Broach was hired as a part-time public works employee for $8.50 per hour.
The city will sell surplus lawn mowers to Rogers for bids of $2,777 and $1,577. Public works also accepted $1,556 in surplus sales from the auction in Forest.
Hayden Pace was granted a $1 per hour increase after graduating from the state fire academy.
The approval of the Barnett property warranty deed on property purchased by the airport was granted. The city originally took more land than they originally agreed to.
Claims totaling $136,704.05 were paid.
The board went into executive session to discuss matters with the city attorney.
