Fredericktown Officials Address Budget Concerns Over Police Vehicles

Fredericktown city officials recently responded to community concerns regarding the budget allocated for police vehicles. During a Board of Aldermen meeting on March 4, 2024, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the annual expenditure of $60,000 for a new police car, leading to discussions about the city’s financial priorities.

Collin Follis, a resident, questioned the necessity of acquiring a new police vehicle each year while the city lacks a permanent home for the city council. He articulated his concerns during the public meeting, stating, “Wouldn’t $60,000 a year go some way towards that?” His comments prompted a response from Police Chief Eric Hovis, who clarified that the city maintains a fleet of 16 police vehicles—12 assigned to the police department and 4 for school resource officers.

Hovis explained that the city aims to replace the oldest vehicle annually, leading to a typical lifespan of approximately 16 years for each car. He emphasized the unique demands placed on police vehicles, noting they often endure harsher driving conditions compared to civilian vehicles. “Go find a cop car that’s got 100,000 miles on it, and it’s rode hard,” Hovis remarked, highlighting the importance of these vehicles for public safety.

Mayor Travis Parker also contributed to the discussion, stating that the decision to purchase a new vehicle is not guaranteed. He mentioned that while funds are allocated for city hall improvements, the police department has occasionally foregone vehicle purchases in the past due to budget constraints.

In response to a Facebook post from a resident who criticized the city for neglecting necessary upgrades, particularly to sidewalks and public spaces, Parker explained the complexity of municipal budgeting. He noted that different departments have separate budgets, making it challenging to address all community needs simultaneously. “I hear so many complaints… Well, that’s not even in the same budget, is what people don’t get,” Parker said.

The mayor clarified that revenue from the electrical department, for example, operates under a loan system that must be repaid, while other departments, such as parks and trash, have distinct funding sources.

Both Hovis and Parker welcomed public engagement and encouraged residents to voice their concerns, regardless of the nature of the feedback. “The bottom line is, I have zero problem being questioned about anything,” Parker stated, with Hovis adding, “We need more people to come.”

As Fredericktown continues to navigate its budgetary priorities, the discussion underscores the importance of community involvement in local governance and the ongoing need for transparency regarding public spending.