Elberta Police Cuts

Alabama Budget Some big changes could be in store fo the little town of Elberta.

by Debbie Williams

Published: Wed, October 01, 2008 - 3:02 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, October 01, 2008 - 3:15 pm CST

He hasn't taken office yet but Elberta mayor elect Marvin Williams is already getting started. "There is going to be reductions in all departments, changes being made across the board," he says. Williams says revenues for the town fell well short of what was projected, "We're not financially strapped or anything like that but if we don't make plans now we're going to fall next year."
His answer to easing the budget crunch, major cuts in the police department. "We had six police officers and six police cars. Our budget will not stand six officers and six cars so I've asked Chief Peaden to give me a plan how we can reduce it down."
At this point the proposed cuts are just that, proposals but the mayor elect says the cuts have to be made and the police department will take the biggest hit.
"We have to make the best use of the money we have. There is somewhat of an economic strain right now," says police chief Gary Peaden.
Cuts will also include; no longer allowing officers to take patrol cars home and no longer patrolling the police jurisdiction.
Chief Peaden has concerns if the proposed cuts, become reality. "We are going to have to make some significant changes to the schedule to be able to provide police protection at peak times and there may be times in the early morning hours that we will not be able to have a policeman working and patrolling within our town."
Tough economic times are making for even tougher decisions according to Williams. "We don't want to have to fire anybody. We don't want to have to let anybody go but some times you have to make those decisions."
The result of those decisions will take effect February 1st. Williams will be sworn into office next month.
Other changes he's proposing; changing the hours of operation at Town Hall, having a high school built in or around Elberta and getting citizens more involved in community projects.

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