Mary Alice Reporting –
More information was needed at the City of Uhrichsville’s Thursday council meeting after a request was presented for an incinerator purchase.
A letter was given to members, from the Police Department’s Chief, asking for the authorization to use up to $20,000 from the Uniform and Equipment Fund.
Due to time off, the chief was not in attendance so the request was presented by Service Director Belle Everett.
“Currently, in order to destroy court ordered drugs, two officers have to drive the drugs to East Liverpool, pay for that service, and then it would also create overtime to cover the office with two other officers, and this is a cost savings benefit.”
Council member Matt Fox enquired about the city’s contract with Go Shred, which handles the day-to-day administration needs; however, Everett explained that some police documents cannot be disposed of in this manner and an incinerator was primarily needed for drugs or other materials.
Questions also came from Councilman Jim Zucal, who said he couldn’t make a decision Thursday night.
“I just feel like there should have been a special presentation by the chief, someone, to council ahead of time. There’s a lot of questions. What does New Philadelphia do, what does Dover do, what does the sheriff’s office do. Do we need a permit from the Ohio EPA, what do we do with the ashes when they’re burned.”
Zucal also noted his discontentment that requests, like this, seem to come to council a few days if not the night of a meeting, and it’s almost expected for members to approve.
Ultimately, the purchase request was tabled until a presentation from the police chief is made.
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