During a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant budgetary concerns, particularly regarding the procurement of tasers and the potential hiring of a code enforcement officer.

The conversation began with a surprise over the high cost of tasers, which was noted to exceed $100,000 for approximately 20 units needed for the department's 16 officers. Historical context was provided, highlighting a previous legal issue with a rival company that led to the department's reliance on tasers provided by a former sheriff. The discussion underscored the challenges of budgeting for essential equipment in law enforcement.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the budget implications of a recent $4 hourly wage increase for police officers, which had not yet been reflected in the amended budget. Officials acknowledged the need for further adjustments to accommodate this raise, indicating ongoing challenges in negotiations with police unions.

The topic then shifted to planning and zoning, where the need for a dedicated code enforcement officer was debated. Some officials suggested utilizing existing staff for code enforcement duties, while others advocated for hiring a part-time or full-time officer to enhance community compliance and demonstrate a commitment to enforcement. A rough estimate of $100,000 was mentioned as the cost for a full-time position, with officials agreeing to explore both training current staff and the possibility of hiring new personnel.

The discussions highlighted the balancing act of managing budgets while ensuring adequate resources for law enforcement and community standards.