Evansville seeking extra officer through stimulus
EVANSVILLE — The Evansville Police Department is hoping to add a full-time officer using federal stimulus money.
More calls for service have created the need for another officer, but more staff won't fit in the city budget, Chief Scott McElroy said.
That's why it would be ideal to win a grant through the COPS Hiring Recovery Program, which will receive the funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, he said.
"This is a no-brainer," he said. "If we're fortunate to get it, great."
The city council approved the grant application during a special meeting Thursday night.
The $215,000 grant would cover the salary and benefits of a new officer for three years. In the fourth and subsequent years, the city would have to pay for the officer using other financial resources.
The program does not cover some expenses, such as clothing and body armor.
"Those are some expenses that we would incur that are not in the budget," McElroy said. "If we get this officer, it will most likely decrease our part-time hours significantly, so we do have the funds to make up for items not covered."
The department now has nine full-time officers.
Calls for service increased 16 percent from 2007 to 2008, McElroy said. Last year, the department had 10,503 calls for service—up from 6,635 in 2002.
License plate renewals also increased 20 percent last year over 2007, and vehicle inspections increased 49 percent.
"We're getting busier all the time, and staff stays real busy as it is, so we are ready now to add, but we just couldn't afford it," McElroy said.
In 2008, Evansville ranked fourth in the county in calls for service behind Janesville, the sheriff's office and the city of Beloit.
Applications for the grants are due next week, and McElroy anticipates finding out if the city is a recipient in June or July. An officer would be hired and start soon after.
"It's my understanding this is a fast-track grant—if there is such a thing," he said.
Apr 10, 2009 at 9:55 p.m.
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CC.."freebie" is one word that does not fit in Evill....
BG..."public transporatation" in Evill???? The towners have a hiss attack everytime the train brings lumber to N-Y. I bet a no whistle rule will be in effect soon.
Once another section of Hwy 14 to the north gets "super slabbed" this summer, a bus couldn't even begin to run with the car racers out there every AM.........
Apr 10, 2009 at 6:07 p.m.
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Actually I see no harm in this. The cost gets picked up for the first three years, and by then Evansville would need another officer anyway, by the time they have to start paying. This is 'almost' a freebie for three years. Almost...
Apr 10, 2009 at 4:18 p.m.
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In three years the City will pick up the cost of the officer, but in the first three years the City will not be paying as much for part-time officers. This will help with the budget to pay for the officer after the three years.
Apr 10, 2009 at 4:18 p.m.
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Any bets that biggirl is the first to complain there is never a cop around when you need one?
Apr 10, 2009 at 2:54 p.m.
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Can't we be more innovative about the use of the government money? I'd like to see some public transportation, for example, or even money for more quality daycare. But, we always just ask for more in terms of police.
Apr 10, 2009 at 1:47 p.m.
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Curtaincall: From what I can tell, you understand it correctly. According to the article; No they have not received it because, yes, they have only applied. I imagine if they get this grant, they get money for a full time officer for 3 years. When the money runs out, I suppose the money from the grant is gone and the City would have to pick up the tab. As far as it fitting into the budget, I suppose they will have to "budget" it in the budget for a full time officer. Just my guess though.
Apr 10, 2009 at 12:01 p.m.
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So if I understand this correctly. They have not received the grant as of yet. Just applying? What happens if they get this grant , when the grant money runs out? How will that fit into the budget?
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