Athens City Council members passed an ordinance Monday night that will allow Athens police officers to work with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team.
The ordinance would create a “memorandum of understanding” between the two departments, allowing up to five members of APD to volunteer with the Sheriff’s Special Response Team.
Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, said the ordinance would create a safer environment in Athens.
“I think it would enhance our safety in the city and the county,” Butler said.
Athens County Sheriff Rodney Smith said the team responds to “high risk” situations including reports of gunshots and hostage situations in a previous Post report.
“We hope to never have to use such a team but, heaven forbid something happens, we need to have some kind of contingency plan,” Smith said.
Council members also passed an ordinance to use $500 from the city’s Law Enforcement Trust Fund to help pay for a new sexual assault forensics machine at the OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital.
Councilman Jeff Risner, D-2nd ward, said the machine would benefit citizens.
“This equipment is necessary for the welfare and safety of the citizens of Athens,” Risner said. “I think it’s well worth the expense.”
The machine, a colposcope, is fitted with photo and video equipment useful for collecting evidence, according to a previous Post report. It will cost $16,000.
Council members also amended an ordinance that requires compensation be paid to the city when parking meters are blocked by construction. Currently, construction companies can purchase trash bags from the Athens Police Department for $5 a day to cover parking meters if workers need that space to work.
Athens Mayor Steve Patterson said bags are only meant to be temporary. The ordinance would ensure the city gets compensation during longer obstructions, when the parking spaces might be fenced off in lieu of covering the the meters with trash bags.
Councilman Pat McGee, I-At Large, said the ordinance would ensure the city is always compensated for lost parking revenue.
“If a parking meter is being used or eliminated for the day, then the city should be paid the loss,” he said.
