Trustees approve police car purchases

Township trustees approved the purchase of two police cars, as long as the total cost is no more than $45,000.

Police Chief Brian Good-in said at the Tuesday night session that the department will buy two Ford Crown Victoria models before the end of this year. He said the law-enforcement vehicles will transition to Ford Taurus models in 2012.

The funds for the cars will come out of next year’s budget, said Joseph Granitto, township clerk- treasurer.

Goodin also asked the trustees to consider upgrading the cameras and recording capabilities of the current security system at the police and township building.

“This system is outdated and does not record where prisoners are brought in,” he said, adding that a recent state law mandates interviews with suspects be recorded so that copies can be given out during court cases.

He estimated the upgrades to cost $11,297, and he plans to do the project in phases. The trustees approved $1,596 to be used for the first phase.

Township Administrator James Scharville announced that the board reached an agreement with Vectren Source, a natural-gas provider based in Evansville, Ind., to charge a $5.98 gas rate for township residents, down from $7.47 last year.

Residents also will have the opportunity to opt out of Vectren service. Trustees said the new gas rate starts in November. The next trustee meeting is at 5 p.m. Oct. 19 — instead of Oct. 12 — at the township building, 3339 Dobbins Road.