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Residents and council press for more police and fire staffing as Easley grows
Summary
City leaders and public speakers urged council to increase staffing and budget for police and fire services, citing population growth, new housing and traffic concerns.
Easley council members and multiple public speakers said the city needs more police and fire personnel to keep pace with population growth and rising traffic concerns.
Mayor Talbert and several council members discussed daily reports of speeding, growing cut-through traffic and an expanding development pipeline. The mayor said Easley’s population is near 28,000 and that the city typically has about five patrol units on duty at a time to cover all law enforcement responsibilities. Council members and speakers said more patrols or a dedicated traffic unit should be considered as the city grows.
During public comment, resident John Wallace said Easley historically has had fewer officers and firefighters than the national average and that pay scales are lower than neighboring jurisdictions; he suggested the council examine revenue options, citing a millage increase or sales tax as two ways to raise funds. Another speaker, Bob Easter, and other residents expressed support for additional first-responder staffing and urged the council to avoid overworking existing personnel.
Councilwoman Davidson reported the city court had nearly doubled the number of cases disposed and noted an increase in fines and traffic citations; she linked higher citations and collisions to broader concerns about personal responsibility and traffic enforcement.
Mayor Talbert and Administrator Couch also thanked Pickens County and local departments for recognizing Easley firefighters; Easley identified eight firefighters (Lieutenant Brandon Bradley; Firefighter Dalton Sargent; Sergeant Jacob Richardson; Firefighter Jonathan Davis; Captain Shannon Dells; Firefighter Daniel Hadden; Firefighter Thomas Lucas; volunteer Patrick Dales) who assisted on life-saving calls last year and were recognized by county officials.
No formal budget amendment or funding decision was taken at the meeting. Council members encouraged residents to submit input during the city’s ongoing budget season.
