At Tuesday’s meeting of the Piedmont City Council, Police Chief Freddie Norton presented the council with an opportunity for the department to go digital, detailing a digital records system that would replace its current antiquated paper records keeping.
The system offered by Digital Technologies of Weaver, which is already used by nine law enforcement agencies, was originally developed for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department.
Norton said the city would pay a one-time $2,500 set-up fee, then $800 per month to digitize all of the police department’s records, including arrests reports, an inmate roster, and evidence management.
“This is one of the things that will make us a better police department,” Norton said.
Mayor Bill Baker said that his only concern was the ability of the council to terminate the agreement if needed.
No action was taken, but Norton was encouraged to find out more details and bring the matter back to the council.
Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $244,745.38 in addition to a payroll amount of $119,319.91 for a total of $364,065.29.
In other business, the council agreed to allow the 10 and under parks and recreation department baseball team to conduct a fundraiser at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Center Avenue on Saturday, July 9th, to raise money for a trip to the upcoming state tournament.
The council also voted to demolish an abandoned house along 3rd avenue.
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19th, at 6 pm.