Hadden went before the council at its regular monthly meeting to ask for permission to purchase a taser and an assault rifle from the city's drug-fund monies.
In the past two months, Hadden said he has responded to 152 calls - including four domestic disturbance calls.
“I always answer them by myself,” Hadden said. “If I were to call for backup from the sheriff's department, I'd be waiting for at least 20 minutes for it to get here.”
Hadden said he would like to purchase a taser and an assault rifle to go along with his sidearm and shotgun he currently carries.
“I'm not scared to respond to anything, but I want to be able to make a stand if I have to,” Hadden said.
Adairville mayor Jim Wilkerson questioned if all those weapons were necessary.
“We had a taser before and we got rid of it,” Wilkerson said. “I just don't know how many weapons Steve can carry.”
Most of the council was strongly in favor of Hadden purchasing the guns - which will cost approximately $1,900 - from the drug-fund.
“Our officer should have the tools to face whatever threat options may come up,” council member Marla Sircy said. “It's my personal thought that we should give him whatever he needs.”
When the issue was put to a vote, it was a unanimous 6-0 tally with council member Danny Finch reluctantly voting yes.
Also last week, the council decided to take the compensating rate of .332 percent for property taxes. That is up just slightly from last year's .317 percent. The council also decided against raising the motor vehicle and watercraft tax. It will remain at .322 percent.
The council also voted unanimously to sponsor a pair of robotics teams at the Adairville school. The city will earmark $530 to go to the school. That will pay for two entry fees and two field kits for the robotic teams.
Post a Comment
