
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 7, 1990                   TAG: 9003071302
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM ZEOLI SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD                                 LENGTH: Medium

RADFORD CITY COUNCIL TRIMS POLICE DEPARTMENT FUND REQUEST

City Council reviewed 1990-91 budget requests by city departments Monday and cut the police department's request.

The 1990-91 budget requests for the entire city totals $34,261,694. Reductions are needed because the estimated revenues only amount to $33,471,399.

One police department reduction is the number of shotguns to be replaced. Police Chief A.C. Earles sought 15 shotguns so each vehicle could be supplied with at least one. Council decided nine shotguns would be enough. This would eliminate the weapons being placed in investigators' cars.

"They are used for riot enforcement . . . so shotguns in an investigator's car are less likely to be used," said Earles. Elimination of six shotguns at $290 a piece, lowered the request by $1,740.

Discussion of added personnel for Radford's Communication Center also resulted in a reduction. Five people run the center 24 hours a day. Five more communication officers were sought so two could be on duty at all times.

"The job had gotten to be too much for one individual to handle. We really need an extra person on each shift," said Earles.

According to Earles, the busiest shift is the third, which lasts until 3 or 4 a.m. He said extra officers are definitely needed then. Earles suggested a "power shift" could be added that would only require two additional communication officers. These officers would work during heavy portions of a shift. This arrangement would make it possible for an officer to work part of one shift and part of another. Council agreed to budget two officers with the stipulation they could come back to this item.

Other items Council approved include roof, wall and carpet replacements and restroom repairs for the public library. An air compressor and a pickup truck for an enforcement vehicle were approved, as was an additional school bus. Council decided to look into ways to increase water and sewer revenues before taking any action.

by CNB