Unadilla — During a meeting here that saw record attendance, council members voted to continue a contract with the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement services inside the city limits for another four years amid applause from the audience.

Council had requested some modifications to the new contract: a decrease from four years to two years and a 90-day notice for either party to terminate the contract. Mayor Dr. Bobby West informed council members that both requests had been denied by Sheriff Van Peavy.

“Sheriff Peavy says you cannot get quality workers to agree to only two years,” said West.

Councilman Clint Shugart said the current contract does not expire until the end of December, and maybe something could be worked out by then. West advised that a decision needed to be made because time is an issue.

A motion was made by Councilman Chester Thomas to approve the new contract with the sheriff’s office to maintain a policing district in the city. Unadilla attorney Toni Sawyer had verified each aspect of the contract. Thomas, Meredith Lester, Clint Shugart and Lancaster Taylor voted in favor of the motion. Councilman Dexter Whitaker opposed the motion, and Lontavious Lester abstained.

Lester shared some research on money that the sheriff’s office has saved the city since they were first contracted. She said the city has saved around $377,000 since the sheriff’s office took over.

“I don’t want things to be personal,” she said. “I am going to make my decision based on what I think is best for the city.”

Whitaker then questioned her figures provided and asked why the city has not been refunded any overage as the existing contract stipulates.

Lester said it is her understanding that any extra funds rolled over to the next year, and if the contract had not been renewed, the money would then be refunded.

Major Craig Peavy with the sheriff’s department also answered the inquiry advising that the money goes from the city to the county commission and that every cent can be accounted for.

“That money has not been spent,” said Peavy.

During comments from citizens and guests, former council member John Offenberg asked the council to clarify its acceptance of the sheriff’s contract pending verification of legalities by the city’s attorney. One other citizen commended the council for putting the safety of Unadilla’s citizens above everything else to which the council was applauded.

When it came time for comments from the mayor and council members, West said, “I would ask that you not wait until something occurs to come to meetings. We meet every second and fourth Tuesday except November and December when we have only one meeting.

“You would not have to wait ‘til the 9th or 12th hour. We have nothing to hide and welcome any citizen’s attendance at all meetings.”

West also informed citizens that Council has been discussing the sheriff’s contract since October, “and we have not heard from any citizen regarding the matter until now.” He advised that he and the council are committed to the betterment of the city for everyone.

“I see no color, religion or sexual preference,” he said. “If you are a citizen, please feel free to attend meetings. We are gonna do the right thing and I tell you I sleep well at night.”

Whitaker also weighed in on the issue sharing a story with citizens: “Remember hunting the rabbit,” he said. “As long as the hunter has his gun on the rabbit everything is okay. If the rabbit were to get the gun and turn it on the hunter, then suddenly it would not be fair anymore.”

Whitaker called for an end to what he referred to as the ‘good ole’ boy’ system claiming there is too much bias in the community.

“I just want things to be fair,” said Whitaker. “If I am out driving without a license I expect to go to jail, and if someone else is caught doing the same thing, I expect them to go to jail as well. Just be fair when you do something.”

He also commented on a town hall meeting that was said to have been held in the city on Monday night, which likely generated the large crowd at Tuesday night’s meeting.

“Some people think more of a town meeting than a council meeting because everyone shows up for them. Only puppets need help with decision making.”

Also on Tuesday’s agenda:

• Council approved a resolution to file an application with the Ga Department of Community Affairs housing initiative.

• Board members tabled a decision on an agreement between the Dept. of Transportation and the City of Unadilla for the Streetscape Project Phase II. Sawyer was said to be reviewing that contract.

• Decisions on two requests for alcohol licenses also were tabled. Duke of Earl Package Store and Casa Maya 3 had made requests. According to ordinance 10-2 anyone applying for such a license must have a representative residing in the county, and that was uncertain in both these cases.

• Ann Sinyard, events consultant for the city updated council members on coming activities. The city’s annual Christmas parade is set for Dec. 14. She advised that anyone interested in participating should submit an application so that she can get them in the lineup.

Sinyard also reminded council members that a candlelight service will be held Dec. 16, and everyone should come out and enjoy it. The program will allow time for three pastors to speak, and there also will be music, she said.