Kip Padgett said during Thursday's work session he's asking for approval for matching grant funds to install three sirens and wants to continue using an inmate guard for corrections inmates on city projects.
According to a Council agenda request, the grant requires a 50-percent match with a $25,000 cap. Total funding from the city would be $35,000 for the purchase of three tornado/emergency warning sirens available through the federal and state emergency management agencies. Padgett said money would come from the city's contingency account. Hall County EMA has provided the sirens but the city was informed the county is unable to meet the obligation because of funding issues.
"The sirens are a safety issue," Padgett said. "Our folks need to be aware of weather danger and we need to put those sirens in place for our citizens."
Padgett added there is money set aside for the city to pay for the guard, which was furnished by Hall County.
"Because of the budget issues, they are not doing that anymore so we are going to hire our own inmate guard," Padgett said.
A budget reallocation resolution states that the city wants to continue using inmates from the Hall County Corrections Facility. Funding by personnel services, $54,000 would set up an inmate guard position in the Public Works Street Maintenance Division.
Hall County EMA has provided the sirens but is unable to meet the obligation because of funding issues.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/7/240721