Groveton discusses law enforcement contract

GROVETON — The Groveton City Council is seeking information from the County Sheriff’s Office regarding law enforcement as council members ponder whether to renew the contract for the SO to provide police services.

City Secretary Dorrie Cotton said the contract was up for renewal in April, but the council has asked for public records regarding how the calls for service have been handled. That information, as well as the contract, also will be reviewed by the city’s attorney, Bob Flournoy.

Groveton was under contract with the Sheriff’s office since April 1, 2024. The city is paying $155,000 a year for law enforcement, which the Sheriff’s Office was to provide in the form of two deputies to patrol a 5-mile radius around the city.

The city also discussed the matter at its June 22 meeting, but no decisions were made. However, the council is holding a special meeting this Thursday to discuss the matter further.

In other business at the June 22 meeting, council members:

• discussed digital water meters, but tabled any decision in lieu of seeking bids;
• delayed a decision on a variance for road use for Groveton Hardware for further information;
• approved the use of the City Square by the Sheriff’s Department, but took no action regarding a variance request by the SO for a fireworks show; and
• accepted a donation of computers from Crockett Public Library.