Othello discusses 2007 budget

Police request cars, sergeant

OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department requested funds from the 2007 budget during a workshop meeting held by the city council Monday night.

Police Chief Steve Dunnagan asked the council to consider several suggestions for the police department including two new police vehicles and a new sergeant position.

In 2006, $148,500 was budgeted for the department. It is expected $124,500 will be used from the budget by the end of the year. Dunnagan requested $153,500 be budgeted for 2007.

The department needs two new patrol vehicles, he said.

Some vehicles have high mileage and need to be replaced.

"You might as well use it as a boat anchor because it's not good for anything else," he said referencing an old patrol car.

The cost for two vehicles is $65,000.

The computer equipment for the patrol vehicles needs to be updated too, Dunnagan said. The current system only works if the vehicles are within city limits. If purchased, the new system allows for service outside city limits and gives officers the ability to assist other cities if needed. The expected cost is $25,000.

Another sergeant is necessary, he said. The new position allows less cost for overtime, reduces liability to the city and provides less turnover within the department.

The new position pays $31,000 for 2007, and alleviates stress among the two current sergeants, he said. It allows for one supervisor for each of the three shifts, day shift, swing shift and graveyard shift. It also allows for three employees per sergeant, which is typical of a traditional police department, he said.

The additional position is also needed to keep up with a rising population and rising crime rates in the city, he said.

Violent crime rate in the city is down 12.5 percent, he said. Larceny is up 44 percent, burglary is up 33 percent and aggravated assault is up 100 percent, he said.

Dunnagan expects the position to be filled by someone within the department as a promotion. He said the department has issues with officers staying two to three years rather than the expected five to six years. The promotion might solve the issue, he said.

No decisions were made, the meeting was for discussion and information purposes only.