By John Howell

The Batesville Police Department will sell approximately 90 handguns confiscated from suspects and ordered forfeited by the municipal judge.

Batesville aldermen on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve police chief Tony Jones’ recommendation that the pistols be declared surplus, a step that will allow sale of the guns to a licensed gun dealer.

 Jones Also received permission to apply for an Edward Byrne Memorial Local Law Grant of $5,000 for equipment purchase. 

The 75 percent grant will provide $3,750 with the city providing $1,450 plus $200 for a planned $5,200 purchase, according to the police chief.

Aldermen approved the lower of two price quotes for refurbishing police department administrative offices.  

Swindoll Construction LLC’s quote of $25,000 was accepted for removing and replacing existing flooring in offices, a bathroom and administrative area, conference room and training room, according to Jones report.