Saturday, January 26, 2008

Commission Approves Grant Purchase

   After coming up for consideration for the second time, members of the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Commissioners approved spending grant monies for the purchase of in-car video cameras for police cars.

   The resolution approved by the commission during their bi-monthly business meeting Thursday calls for the purchase of four ICOP digital in-car camera systems. The purchase was requested by Lawrenceburg Police Chief Terry Shay,  who indicted the cameras would be funded 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. Shay pointed out at that time that the city would have to return the grant funds if the purchase was not approved.

   During Thursday’s meeting, Commissioner Jerry Moore expressed his belief that the situation had “been blown out of proportion,” saying, “There was no intent on my part of not giving the officers what they need.”

   Commissioner Butch Morrow added that it was not the commission’s intent not to pass the grant purchase at some point.

   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 will be funded from previous grant monies designated for the purchase of video equipment.

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