Mount Pleasant council approves $9,000 narcotics K‑9 purchase

Mount Pleasant — The city council voted April 30 to approve requisition 20224222040 to purchase a narcotics detection dog for $9,000 and to return for separate approval of up to $1,000 in out‑of‑state travel costs.

A police representative identified in the transcript as Speaker 3 said the dog will be single‑purpose for narcotics detection and that the department reallocated budget funds to cover the purchase. "The dog itself costs $9,000," the speaker said, and added that a POST‑offered eight‑week training course will be attended by the handler with meals as the only expected trainee outlay.

The presenter said a post K‑9 instructor will accompany Officer Blackburn to the vendor in California to help select the animal and that some ongoing costs (veterinary care and food) have already been secured by local supporters. The speaker estimated additional one‑time vehicle modification costs and a monthly handler stipend for dog care; those ongoing costs were described in general terms during discussion.

Councilors asked whether the dog and handler would respond to neighboring jurisdictions and about insurance and liability if the animal bites. The presenter said the dog would be covered through the city insurance and reiterated the plan to keep the animal as a sniff‑only dog to reduce bite‑related liability.

A motion to approve the $9,000 requisition to Von Niki Kennelton Incorporated was moved and seconded; the motion was recorded as moved by Bole and seconded by Paul and carried on roll call.

The council did not finalize the separate $1,000 out‑of‑state travel approval on the same motion; members agreed staff would return with the distinct authorization for the travel and related outlays.