It's not unusual to have a little controversy at town meeting here in the Northeast Kingdom, or anywhere else in the state. However, the general budget for the town of Lyndon was a sore point for some residents.
The overall budget for fiscal year 2010, which stands at a total of nearly $2.6 million, included an appropriation of nearly $29,000 for the hiring of a third officer for the police department. This item sparked an hour-long debate, which got very heated at times, on whether or not the town and village really need a third police officer. According to police chief Jack Harris, he and Officer James Hemond have to cover 36 square miles when they're not getting coverage from the state police barracks in St. Johnsbury.
Resident Reed Garfield motioned to amend the budget by removing the money for the third officer. The motion was voted on by paper ballot, and was defeated 117-49. The overall budget then passed in a voice vote.
Chief Harris was very relieved that he was finally able to get another officer for his force.
*Information from News 7's Alejandra Leonard was used in this post.
The overall budget for fiscal year 2010, which stands at a total of nearly $2.6 million, included an appropriation of nearly $29,000 for the hiring of a third officer for the police department. This item sparked an hour-long debate, which got very heated at times, on whether or not the town and village really need a third police officer. According to police chief Jack Harris, he and Officer James Hemond have to cover 36 square miles when they're not getting coverage from the state police barracks in St. Johnsbury.
Resident Reed Garfield motioned to amend the budget by removing the money for the third officer. The motion was voted on by paper ballot, and was defeated 117-49. The overall budget then passed in a voice vote.
Chief Harris was very relieved that he was finally able to get another officer for his force.
*Information from News 7's Alejandra Leonard was used in this post.
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