Fabrizio Gowdy
Gadsden County News Service
With only one police officer serving the town, several Sneads residents called for increased law enforcements staffing during the March 10 council meeting.
“Preston needs help,” said one speaker during public comment, referencing Brett Preston, currently the town’s lone police officer.
Another speaker pointedly asked the council if they were going to hire another officer, saying it was his understanding that $130,000 had been allocated for law enforcement salaries.
In response, City Manager Bill Rentz pointed to unexpected expenses that are causing uncertainty and complicating the effort to hire additional officers.
He explained the town owes FEMA $100,000 after the federal agency claimed it mistakenly disbursed funds to the town twice back in 2018.
Rentz said his job is to make sure Sneads balances its budget and the state doesn’t take over the town over fiscal mismanagement.
“I’m not anti-law enforcement — I carried a badge and gun for 35 years, but I’m also a realist, and you can only do so much with what you have,” said Rentz.
He also noted that it is difficult to compete with larger, neighboring jurisdictions offering higher pay, like a $71,000 starting salary at the Tallahassee Police Department.
According to Rentz, Chattahoochee and Graceville also have a shortage of law enforcement officers and are having a difficult time hiring.
Other notes:
- The council and staff discussed the problem of Sneads Park boat ramp users avoiding paying fees at the honor box, which they attributed to “changing times.” One speaker urged the council to have Preston patrol the lot and issue citations to violators.
- Opening day for youth baseball, softball and tee-ball is April 4, with an opening ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. All are encouraged to come spectate.
- City Manager Bill Rentz said there is once again interest in relocating the McDaniel House, which is at risk of demolition.
All council members were present. Next month’s town council meeting will not be held on the second Tuesday of the month, as that is municipal election day. The meeting date will be posted on the town’s Facebook page.
