Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

GPD Financial Activities Questioned (cont)

nd go through the approved system."

Smith told the council a new police officer can work with a department for a year under the supervision of other officers before going to the police academy in Camden.

Pledger suggested sending a letter to Childres reminding him the GPD operates under the council and needs a representative at the council meetings to answer questions. "We need to be informed about who's hired," she said, "and not ignored."

"We need to protect the city with hiring and firing procedures," Smith said. "We don't need one person who can fire someone. You need good grounds to fire a person and a procedure to follow, including a reprimand system."

He said this has not been a problem yet, but could turn into one if not checked now.

Smith said the city needs to adopt an ordinance much like the one it passed for the street department's CDL drivers on random drug testing. This ordinance should be for all city employees, he said.

Pledger again said Childres needs to attend the council meetings to answer questions. "This is what the meetings are for," she said. "It does no good to discuss this if they aren't here listening."

Councilman Roy Quinney asked of Childres knows where the GPD stands on its budget. "He should know his expenses per month. He submitted the budget."

Smith said it's doubtful, but the marshal can get a daily update by asking for it.

Pledger then made the motion to write a letter to Childres requiring him to be at council meetings, and to bring employees through the city's personnel committee, along with acting as part of the city.

The council agreed, but the motion was later amended to include asking Childres to inform the city's governing body as to the background of the unknown checking account.

Smith, as the discussion was winding down, said there is also a problem with salaries in the GPD. Since 1993, the salary budget has escalated and been approved by the council.

In 1993, the salary budget for the GPD was $143,000. This rose to more than $180,000 in 1994, with the council approving $164,000. The 1995 numbers were approved for $180,000, with the department spending $187,950.

Pledger said the city has been experiencing a decrease in population since 1993.

Smith said the 1990 census showed the population to be 2,260, a decline of 447 from the 1980 figure of 2,707.

"If we have had an increase in crime, we need more cops," he said. "But why is the money for fines not going up as well. They aren't increasing."

Pledger also asked if those who sign checks for the city don't have to be bonded.

The recorder said when she was hired she had to be bonded.

Because the city has another older police car it will be selling, the council agreed to take the 94 model to the dealer and get an estimate on repair costs. Then, it will see what the older car brings before approving any money being spent on the other vehicle.