Several items from the Newton Police Department are on the agenda for the Newton City Council including the approval for a Narcotics K9 Unit at its meeting Monday. The addition of the unit works toward the department’s drug initiative program to target drug activity within the community.
The police department is in need of resources to better combat the narcotics issues in the community, specifically in the area of enforcement City Administrator Bob Knabel said in his report to the council. The purchase and implementation of a Narcotics K9 Unit would help to combat crime more effectively and have a positive impact on the community.
The cost to start the program totals $56,300 including $26,000 for a SUV, $20,130 for special squad equipment, $5,200 for a dog and training and $5,000 for kenneling equipment. The total annual cost would be $5,500.
If approved by the council, the department would work to acquire donations and local grants in the amounts of $5,000 and $10,000 to help pay for the program. Also, up to $25,000 in forfeiture funs will be used for the equipment. Knabel also recommends $26,000 from the 2015 bond use be used to purchase the SUV for the program.
The Finance Committee already gave its approval to the program at its Monday meeting.
Also on the agenda is a resolution to change the Parking Meter Attendant position to a new position of Community Service Attendant. Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess recommended the change of position following the removal of the parking meters from the downtown area.
The Community Service Attendant will continue to administer parking enforcement but will also assist the with animal licensing and assistant to the Jasper County Animal Rescue League. Other responsibilities include handling bicycle licenses, making deliveries and pickups at the Jasper County Courthouse, assisting with special event traffic control and assisting with education material preparation.
There is no change in salary with the position change and the Employee Relations Committee has previously approved the request.
Finally, Chief Burdess requested a restructuring of the command staff within the department, replacing the vacant lieutenant vacancy with two sergeant positions. The proposed change is an effort to maximize the abilities of the current command staff and provide a higher level of leadership and supervision throughout all shifts and divisions.
With the change, the number of officers on staff would not change and instead of five lieutenants and 23 officers there would be four lieutenants, two sergeants and 22 officers. The change would bring an increase to the department’s budget over a 15 year period at an average increase of $643 a year.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com