Goodman City Council members are looking at possibly purchasing a Taser package.
Goodman's police chief, Curt Drake, told aldermen on Tuesday night that one particular package sells for $3,520 for two Tasers, while another package offers two Tasers for $3,052. Payments of $420 are then paid each year. At the fifth-year mark, the company ships two of the most up-to-date Tasers and the customer is able to keep a total of four Tasers.
Aldermen are considering purchasing Tasers after two police offers were injured in a recent altercation with a person resisting arrest.
Drake said it's difficult to predict if utilizing a Taser would have resulted in less injury but said police officers need more tools to assist them in challenging situations.
Aldermen will review both packages and discuss the issue at the next city council meeting.
City clerk Karla McNorton swore in aldermen Keith Kohley and Calvin Wilson, as well as Judge Clyde Davidson. All were recently re-elected.
Aldermen also voted to reappoint McNorton as city clerk, Duane Cooper as city attorney and Drake as chief of police.
Wilson was appointed as acting president.
In other business, the council is reviewing a possible use tax ordinance which, if approved on two readings, can be placed on the August ballot for a vote. The use tax doesn't cost citizens any extra money and would enable city officials to help pay for much-needed projects.
Mayor Greg Richmond said he believes, if people understand what the council is trying to accomplish and are educated about the use tax, it can be approved on the ballot.
Aldermen also:
• voted to have the mayor sign condemnation letters for 122 and 122 ½ N. Wall Street properties;
• plan to determine specs for a new gazebo for Main Street; and
• plan to consider enacting an ordinance for those who have high water usage, due to leaks.
General News on 04/19/2018