Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Board Slated To Again Consider Purchase Of Police Car Cameras

   The Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Commissioners will meet in regular session this week, and is slated to again consider passage of a resolution that sparked some controversy earlier this month.

   The resolution up for consideration calls for the board to “purchase four ICOP digital in-car camera systems.” The purchase, requested by Lawrenceburg Police Chief Terry Shay, would be made through use of an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The grant provides 100% funding, with no matching source required by the city.

   Although Shay had submitted a request to apply for the grant during the August 2, 2007, meeting, which was subsequently approved by the board, commissioners indicated during the January 10 meeting that they could not remember it having come before the board for approval, and did not know enough about it to cast a vote.

   Mayor Keith Durham made a motion to approve the purchase, however the motion died for lack of a second.

   The total cost of purchasing the four cameras is $19,000. The total purchase cost submitted for approval is $21,163.20. Shay explained that the difference of $2,163.20 is to cover the cost of software, supporting equipment and a warranty. Although the grant totals only $18,468, Shay explained that the remainder would be funded from previous grant monies designated for the purchase of video equipment.

   The resolution  is the sole item of business that appears on the commission’s January 24 agenda. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Director Chad Chancellor will address the board, as will Lanie Johnson.

   The meeting, which is open to the public, will get underway at 6:00 p.m. Thursday inside the commission meeting room of the Lawrenceburg City Administration Building.

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