Stand-off over; Resaca votes to eliminate police department
by Susan Kirkland
Aug 11, 2009 | 2188 views | 3 3 comments | 20 20 recommendations | email to a friend | print
After meticulously making sure the motions were clear and all loop-holes were closed, the Resaca City Council voted, in a split-decision, to enter into negotiations with the Gordon County Sheriff's Office and subsequently close it's police department. It was the second order of business after a three month stand-off between councilmembers Jimmy Brown and Al Rosier, who stormed out of May's meeting before a vote could be taken on the matter, and the rest of the town concil.

Councilmember Jean Makonis pointed out that the contract from the Sheriff's Office offered 12-hour coverage with one deputy patrolling the city limits of Resaca and the 12-hours on-call service, like in unincorporated Gordon County, per day. The city will negotiate the cost of the service later.

When the vote was taken, Makonis and councilmember Julia Baker voted in favor of the motion eliminating the department. Brown announced that he and Rosier voted no. Mayor Samuel Allen broke the tie by voting for the motion.

Allen said that the City of Eton had made an undisclosed offer for the police cars, but they decided to table the motion since it would require discussion and resolution.
Share This Article |
similar stories

Resaca council delays vote on police department | 2 years ago

Sheriff to Resaca PD: "Stay off our frequency" | 2 years ago

Resaca Police Department could shut down: Sheriff's Department would take over coverage area | 2 years ago by Susan Kirkland

Resaca donates, sells police cars | 23 months ago by Staff Reports

Commissioners accept Resaca law enforcement contract | 2 years ago by Elizabeth Crumlby

Comments
(3)
Comments-icon Post a Comment
tndold498
|
August 23, 2009
Thank goodness, that speed trap on I75 is gone, it was an embarrassment and nothing more then a deliberate attempt to generate funds to fill the coffers, and the new cars? please..that was almost a joke, oh and on really rainy days. I don't recall seeing the law out in force to make sure the speed limit was being adhered to , yes the comment comparing it to Benton was most appropriate, I was caught in that one time, by a police officer parked back in the car wash, he gave such a moving speech as to why he was giving me a ticket, I almost thought he was going to hug me with gratitude that he had been able to not be seen and had succeeded in clocking me and contributing to the local fund, that was what that portion of I75 was becoming, I drive it ever day and am so glad to see the disappearance of what was nothing less then creating a cash flow, I applaud any and all attempts to control traffic, assist those that need assistance and making sure our roads are safe,and the upholding of the law, I do not approve of what was nothing less then an operation to create revenue.
Reply
Terry1960
|
August 22, 2009
There's a big difference between enforcing the speed limit and having a speed trap. If I'm doing 15-20 miles per hour over the speed limit I would expect to get a ticket. It's a miracle that more accidents don't occur on our interstates and other highways, when someone can get away with 10mph over the limit they'll try for 20, and that's just ridiculous and dangerous. You're much more likely to get a ticket for a seatbelt violation than a speeding ticket
Reply
volvo1
|
August 21, 2009
Resaca didnt need a "police dept" to begin with and they created a speed trap on the interstate and a name for the town much like Benton,TN. has for being a speed trap. They constantly requested the county to assist with calls in Resaca because they didnt want to get out of there "new cars" for nothing but writing tickets and their is more to the job than just to "serve" tickets.
Reply
Postings are not edited and are the responsibility of the author. You agree not to post comments that are abusive, threatening or obscene. Postings may be removed at our discretion.