The Town of Falkville is equipping its police officers with state-of-the-art camera systems thanks to a $24,000 federal grant with matching funds from local elected officials and a private donor.

The $41,205 project was finalized at a regular council meeting July 1 when donations of $3,500 each were presented by State Sen. Arthur Orr and District 9 State Rep. Scott Stadthagen. 

Earlier, the town received a $24,000 Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Additionally, the project received a generous donation from a local business owner who asked to remain anonymous, according to Police Capt. Aaron Burgess.  

“The new integrated in-car camera system will replace an outdated system and equip our police officers to perform their duties in a timely and efficient manner,” Burgess said.

The council also authorized Mayor Ken Winkles to contract with Pegas Solutions and Bio Chem Techniques to continue a sludge reduction project at the town’s waste stabilization lagoons at a cost of $80,000. 

Winkles said an earlier contract with the company resulted in a reduction of more than 60 percent of the sludge in one of the town’s three lagoons.

Attorney Larry Madison was recognized for 35 years of continuous tenure as the town’s legal adviser. He was presented a plaque to commemorate his achievement. 

The council acted on other matters as follows: 

• accepted a quote from REE Products on a station guard at the Falkville High School sewage lift station for $1,180.
• declared a Fellows shredder-99Ms in disrepair and a Glock 30 GEN4 .45 caliber handgun – seizure process as surplus personal property and authorized its disposal.
• authorized Decatur Electronics to install camera systems in police vehicles at a cost of $157.50 each.
• authorized the mayor to lease to own a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe from First Government Lease Co. for 36 months after a down payment of $15,000, the balance after payoff from a vehicle that was totaled.
• accepted a quote of $4,544 from Peck-Glasgow Insurance Co. for general liability and accidental insurance for the Park & Recreation Department for FY20 .
• approved changes in the employee pay scale as follows: new employee Caleb Thornberry, Grade 10, Step 1; Michael Stewart, Grade 10, Step 1; and Jill Walling, Grade 14, Step P.
• accepted a quote of $1,500 from Decatur Electronics to install equipment on a new Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicle.