City discusses needs with new law enforcement contract

By Tony Farkas
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GROVETON — Now that a contract between the city of Groveton and Trinity County for law enforcement is in place, certain details regarding operations need to be ironed out.

At the April 22 meeting of the City Council, Justice of the Peace Richard Steptoe addressed the issue of collections, and the fact that the city and county system are incompatible.

Steptoe said that for a fee of $1,190, the software could be patched to work; however, the funds are not within the city budget, but there is a possibility the city’s provide could cover the cost, which would help with the collection of fines.

Steptoe also discussed the procedures for processing traffic citations and warrants.

Mayor Ralp Bennett reiterated the interlocal agreement states the city will process citations for all violations of city ordinances.

Council Member Autumn Dial asked if they county were already actively working inside the city and was told that was the case since the agreement became effective April 1.

In a related matter, residents discussed the city’s contract with Allegiance EMS and concerns about the ambulance availability. Carol Monk said that recently when she called for an ambulance, she was told it would be 1 hour and 45 minutes before it would arrive, and was given an option to contact Life Flight, which would cost her $10,000.

Monk told the council a friend had to drive her to emergency care.

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Along those lines, Dave Robison of Groveton EMS said he was concerned about the service, and offered to reinstate his former contract for services.

The council took no action on the matter.

In other business, the council:

•discussed grant applications for sidewalks and streets;

•discussed new sites for an additional city well;

•received a report from Inframark on the city’s water and wastewater systems, and approved the monthly billing of $7,248.93;

•discussed the new utility billing software that has been installed on a city computer;

•discussed the May 4 city election; and

•discussed dates for city events. The May meeting has been moved to May 20 so as not to conflict with Memorial Day.