By John Howell
City officials authorized vehicle, equipment and other purchases including a replacement for 11-year-old “Chip,” a Batesville Police Department K-9 partnered with Patrol Officer Greg Jones.
But not to worry: Chip will be allowed to live out his retirement years with Jones if city officials allow the canine to be declared “surplus” and to be transferred to the officer.
Deputy Police Chief Jimmy McCloud said that the police department would make that recommendation to city officials.
At age 11, Chip’s stamina is in decline. The dog has spent most waking moments with Jones or at his home since the city purchased him at age five.
McCloud requested the purchase of a “dual purpose K-9” from the K-9 Training Center in Tupelo and that Jones attend up to six weeks of training with the new dog.
Cost of the dog, training, lodging and related expenses are about $9,760, according to information the police official provided the mayor and aldermen.
Money from the Federal Assets Forfeiture Fund would be used for the new dog’s purchase with other funding from the police department’s budget.
City Clerk Susan Berryhill made requests on behalf of Street Superintendant Teddy Austin that included a 10-foot folding mower for $16,348 and a smaller six-foot mower for $3,365.
Both mowers were purchased under the state contract prices from Delta Tractor Company of Batesville.
Gas Superintendent Todd Pittman received approval for his department to purchase a new pickup for $25,588. The Dodge Ram 1500ST will be purchased from state contract bid holder Howard Wilson Chrysler of Flowood.
Pittman told the mayor and aldermen that his department had two trucks that need replacement, one of which is out of service.