Vienna mayor questions police cruiser purchase

By BECKY CRISSMAN

becky.crissman@gaflnews.com



VIENNA — Conflict arose over mayoral duties at Monday night’s city council meeting here when Mayor Emerson Lundy questioned the purchase of a used police cruiser by Vienna Police Chief Jamey Reed.

Reed, who gives a monthly report to city council, addressed the issue in an attempt to enlighten everyone about the circumstances surrounding the purchase.

“The police department is in the process of eliminating some surplus vehicles that have become too costly to maintain,” said Reed. “Those vehicles are sitting around collecting dust and deteriorating. We have a new hire coming on board very soon and another patrol car was necessary to accommodate the department’s needs. It will allow us to have at least one spare vehicle in patrol-ready condition.”

Reed went on to inform the mayor and council that there was already authorization for a new cruiser to be purchased in January of 2009. Reed said a sheriff in Hendry County, Fla. had lost his bid for re-election and had a black 2007 Dodge Charger he did not want the new sheriff to get. The cruiser is already fully equipped with lights, siren, and radio and had been traded to Brannen Motor Company in Unadilla.

Reed said the total price for the Charger was $18,950. He informed council that he had a quote, also from Brannen, on a new Crown Victoria like the ones currently in use by the department. The quote for the Crown Victoria was $28,285. The purchase of the Charger saves taxpayers almost $10,000 and payment for the vehicle is not due until January 2009 when it was originally approved for, Reed said.

Lundy was upset because he was not informed about the vehicle before the purchase.

“Just because there is money in the budget does not mean it has to be spent,” Lundy said. “As mayor I should know everything that goes on. I was the last to know about the cruiser and I had to hear it in the street.”

Council member Beth English commented that council did not normally get involved in the day-to-day purchases of departments once a budget was set, and that those matters were left to the city administrator, but Lundy appeared to disagree.

The department having a back-up cars at its disposal was not a concern for the mayor.

“In a city as small as Vienna if a car breaks down they are likely close enough to walk back to city hall or call in another car to pick them up,” Lundy said.

Lundy went on to say that cuts needed to be made to city spending, but English said she did not believe the cuts should come from public safety. Council member Eddie Daniels said he was pleased with the amount of money the purchase would save.

Lundy said that he was not bearing down on Chief Reed, but that he wanted to be kept informed on all city matters from that point on.

Reed’s report included the purchase of seven tasers for use on patrol.

“I have written a strict policy governing the use of the tasers and will not issue a taser to any officer until they have gone through the proper certification class,” said Reed. “They must also sign a memorandum of understanding the policy restrictions.”

Other news discussed in Monday night’s meeting included:

• The police department will be assisting with the distribution of meals to those less fortunate in the area on Thanksgiving Day.

• Gang graffiti on a Pine Street residence is under investigation and the removal of the graffiti is being looked into.

• The Dooly County Chamber of Commerce gave a monthly report and gift baskets to Mayor Lundy and members of council as a thank you for their efforts on behalf of the chamber, especially during the Big Pig Jig.

The next meeting of the Vienna City Council is scheduled for Monday, December 8 at 7 p.m.

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