Council approves $46,067 supplemental appropriation for public safety departments

Bristol Virginia City Council unanimously approved a $46,067 supplemental appropriation during its Jan. 13 meeting to fund equipment, repairs and program expenses for the police, fire and sheriff departments.

The appropriation covers several general-fund items: $3,732 from proceeds of items sold for police operating supplies; $2,010 recovered costs for police overtime; $10,000 in donations to the police department earmarked for equipment; $9,325 in insurance proceeds for fire department repairs; $10,000 in donations for fire department equipment; $10,000 in donations for the city sheriff's operating supplies and materials; and $1,000 donated to the sheriff's grants department for the Shop with a Hero program.

Miss Spradlin, a city staff member who presented the request, said, "Staff does recommend that council approve the supplemental appropriation as listed." Council members placed the item on the consent agenda and voted to approve it by roll call; the motion carried unanimously.

The council and mayor offered public thanks during discussion to the United Company Foundation for recent donations to the police and fire departments. No opposition to the appropriation was recorded in the meeting minutes.

The appropriation is funded from general fund contributions and donations as described in the staff report, and will be used for the specific departmental purposes listed above. The council did not attach additional conditions to the spending in the meeting discussion.