Councilman still wants surveillance cameras for West Memphis

Councilman still wants surveillance cameras for West Memphis

McClendon: ‘ I think we have the money to do it, so I am moving that we do this’

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The topic of police surveillance cameras was tacked onto West Memphis City Council business May 18. For the second straight meeting, Councilman Marco McClendon interjected the topic at the close of scheduled business. During the first meeting in May, McClendon wanted to know why the surveillance camera discussed among city councilors ‘for years’ and finally slated in budget hearings was not actually in the 2017 city budget. The Ward 4 alderman thought it was added as an amendment in the budget hearings last November. Budget Committee Chairman Councilman Tracy Catt acknowledged the discussion but was fuzzy on whether police cameras were actually added into the budget but promised to offer a fix by May 18.

But the surveillance camera was not listed on the last council meeting agenda of the month. Neither Catt nor McClendon or any of the city council members on the police or budget committees had a budget amendment ready.

Both councilmen provided an updated status and clarified points of confusion.

“Marco had asked at the end of our last council meeting about a budget amendment,” said Catt. “I met City Treasurer Frank Martin and at that meeting the chief of police. The numbers changed from what we talked about last time, and what it was on January 3.”

Marco took the opportunity to ask city council to amend the police department budget $20,000 for camera equipment.

“I don’t necessarily call it a Sky Cop,” said McClendon. “But I do want it added to the budget, so the chief can get a couple of cameras. They can place on

the poles and move them if they deem fit to places with high crime. After talking to Tracy, I think we have the money to do it, so I am moving that we do this.”

Police committee chairman Willis Mondy quickly seconded the motion.

Catt threw out the caution flag and council slowed down and got in line to follow procedure. The legislative audit had flagged the city over budget amendment procedures last year and Catt urged council to go by the book. The first obstacle was that the city treasurer was absent.

“My only concern is getting the documentation in place,” said Mayor Bill Johnson.

“Frank Martin is out of town and I was going to get with him to see how he wanted to handle amendments this year,” said Catt.

“But we will definitely have a resolution to council for a budget amendment.

City sales tax revenue has been tight this year and Catt explained where the money for the five digit proposed increase would come from. The city finished last year in the black but is running in the red so far this year.”

“The January 3 report of the general fund showed a surplus of $296,000,” said Catt. “The sales tax through April is $71,000 less than originally budgeted. Still showing a $220,000 surplus, the budget amendment will not adversely effect the cash flow at this time.”

Catt said the budget amendment was premature on another count as well.

No one knows exactly how much the system will cost.

“It may be $20,000 or $18,004, we don’t know,” said Catt. “I need the chief to finish up what he is going to do.”

Councilman Wayne Croom was cautious about the rush to purchase and bypassing a competitive bid process.

“Is the $20,000 a ‘guestimation?’” asked Croom.

“Is Chief Oakes going to a single source or is he going to bid them out?”

By John Rech