Mattawa Police to get two new SUVs

MATTAWA - The Mattawa City Council has agreed to the purchase of two new patrol cars for the Mattawa Police Department.

The council agreed to order two new Ford Interceptor utility SUVs. One vehicle would be purchased for $41,000. The second would be leased for $12,075 for three years with a $7,807 payoff at the end of the lease.

Since these are in the 2014 budget, the official approval will come with the passage of that budget. Chief John Turley will place an ad calling for bids.

The council also approved the purchase of tires for a Dodge Charger owned by the city. The purchase will be of four Michelin X-ice tires for $860.76 from Grant County. There were bids from Les Schwab for $1,001 and Mattawa Tire for $964.74.

In other action related to the PD, the council gave preliminary approval to the amending of the Patrol Officer Job Description and Salary. The council agreed with this revised job description for an entry level police officer and salary beginning at $3,900 per month. Formal approval will come at the Dec. 19 council meeting.

The council agreed to have the city attorney write up a policy for police officer additional compensation to be based on incentive pay rather than merit pay. This policy will be on the Dec. 19 council meeting agenda.

Turley reported to the council that Grant County PUD will install a total of 68 security cameras at various PUD facilities throughout the county. His department will likely have access at facilities within its jurisdiction.

The council agreed to add 10 pantel zoom cameras to the 2014 budget to be installed throughout the City of Mattawa. Turley has wanted them as a way to enhance his department's capabilities.

Turley has said in the past that these cameras will not be used as speed traps. However, they will be used for evidence gathering in criminal investigations and search assistance in abduction cases.

The approximate annual cost of these cameras, and an ipad, will be $18,000. Jackie Jones, director Multi Agency Communication Center, told the council that the MACC would like to get these cameras into the MACC system.

A 0.2 percent sales tax increase will be proposed in 2014 to help with the cost of the cameras and the hiring of a fifth officer.