An ordinance eliminating two Athens Police Department positions was introduced and State Representative Debbie Phillips (D) spoke on the state's operating budget at last night's City Council meeting.
Councilman Jim Sands, D-At-Large, introduced the ordinance that would cut two police officer positions, which are not currently being staffed, and to reclassify another city position.
The two police positions could be reinstated if the city receives a grant to cover the salaries and benefits for two new police officers for three years, Sands said.
Former Councilwoman Phillips returned to address local worries about the state's budget.
A lot of people have expressed concern about the school funding portion of the operating budget because when you look at the spreadsheets during the implementation phase
it has some kind of unexpected results particularly in rural districts Phillips said.
She added that local superintendents, education organizations and the governor's office are talking and that a substitute bill could be introduced.
Next week there will be public hearing about the final plat of the Madison Heights development on East State Street.
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Gail Burkhardt
