New, state of the art non-lethal weaponry is coming soon to the collective holsters of the Trenton Police Department.
Monday night during the city commission’s work session, a $62,198 purchase order for a 8 weapon set of the new Taser 10 sidearm was bound for the consent agenda and later approved by commissioners.
Trenton Police Commissioner Mike Norris says the upgrade is needed since the department’s last acquisition of tasers in 2016 are relatively antiquated compared to today’s law enforcement standard. Norris says only seven of the current arsenal work and the battery life of the remaining units is diminishing.
Sgt. Thomas Williams, the department’s resident firearm expert, says the “pro package” of stun guns sought would allow officers up to a ten shot capacity, would include docking stations for each weapon and a virtual reality simulator for enhanced officer training.
Commissioner Monda Wooten questioned the proposed $12,439 installment payment plan until Norris pointed out the payment figure was annualized, extending to 2029.
Mayor Alex Case says he agrees with the upgrade for the police department’s new stun guns, but suggested commissioners’ discretion on future purchases utilizing SPLOST funds.
“We gotta slow down,” said Case while noting that current SPLOST forecasts are looking good in early 2025 projections.
Commissioner Norris said he thanked the board for their vote approving the police department’s taser purchase.
In other commission action, the board approved the $2,499 purchase of an ID card printer for use by city departments for personnel.
Commissioners also approved a $57,540 purchase order for two new pumps ordered for the Woolbright Pump Station. Mayor Case says the order could take anywhere from 8 to 13 weeks to arrive.
Mayor Case says he sees the Woolbright Pump Station situation as the current priority of the Public Works Department, followed by the solid waste facility and then the Highway 136 Pump Station.
The mayor said discussions are ongoing with the Northwest Georgia Regional Planning Commission for more grant writing to help secure more available funds for Trenton’s upcoming water and sewer upgrades, with or without the prospect of future annexation.
Commissioner Wooten asked the community to attend the Dade County Pet Project set for March 20th at Trenton City Hall and reminded residents of the twice monthly meetings of the Animal Control Facility subcommittee for those interested in local animal welfare.
By Vince Lennon
