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Mount Pleasant council approves purchase of narcotics‑detection K‑9; travel costs to return for separate approval
Summary
Council approved a $9,000 purchase for a narcotics detection dog and discussed ongoing costs including vehicle modifications, kennel work and a monthly handler stipend; travel and incidental out‑of‑state costs will require a separate approval.
The Mount Pleasant City Council on April 30 approved a requisition to purchase a narcotics detection K‑9 for the police department.
Officer Blackburn presented the request, saying the dog purchase price is $9,000 and that the city reallocated funds within its police budget to cover the cost. "The dog itself costs $9,000," Blackburn told council members. He described the dog as a single‑purpose narcotics detection dog rather than a dual‑purpose (bite) dog.
Blackburn said the department would partner with a post‑certified K‑9 instructor to select the dog in California and that the instructor will accompany the officer to pick the right animal. He said arrangements for veterinary care and food had been secured and that the officer had volunteered to host the dog at his home, but that some facility modifications at the officers residence were needed.
Council discussion noted a range of ongoing and one‑time costs including vehicle modifications to accommodate the dog (estimated as a one‑time cost of about $9,000), kennel or home modifications (about $1,100), and a handler stipend of roughly $400 per month. Blackburn said POST (the state peace officer standards agency) offers the required eight‑week certification course free of tuition, but the city would need to cover meals and travel while the officer and dog train.
Bridger (Bole) moved to approve requisition number 20224222040 to Von Niki Kennelton Incorporated for $9,000; Paul seconded. The motion passed by roll call. Councilmembers also discussed whether neighboring jurisdictions would request assistance from Mount Pleasants K‑9 and whether cost‑recovery arrangements should be considered for mutual aid responses.
The council recorded that a separate approval for out‑of‑state travel (estimated at up to $1,000) would be required and that the police department would return to the council to seek that authorization.
Blackburn and council members emphasized the dog would be a narcotics detector, not trained for explosives or aggressive apprehension, and stressed policies and procedures would govern its use.
