Franklin BOC Approves, Then Rescinds Vote to Purchase Equipment for GSP Hartwell Post

Post 52 of the Georgia State Patrol will have to let the County know what equipment they need.

Monday night, Franklin County Commissioners approved and then rescinded their approval of a gift of laser equipment to the Hartwell Post of the Georgia State Patrol.

That after County Manager Beth Thomas requested the County be proactive and make the Post a gift of two lasers.

“In attending meetings and talking with other leaders around the area, I’ve discovered it’s not uncommon for local governments to purchase equipment for GSP and donate it to them,” she said. “I’d like the Board to consider the purchase of laser equipment for GSP Post 52 in appreciation for the work that they do.”

Thomas said she had not spoken with Post Commander Al Whitworth about whether his Post needed radar equipment, but said the gift would help strengthen the relationship between the County and the Georgia State Patrol post.

“The estimated cost is between $5,000 and $6,000,” Thomas said. “I know that’s a broader range, but there’s some optional features. I haven’t spoke to the Post Commander and he may opt for some of these optional amounts.”

Thomas said the money to purchase the lasers would come from the County’s General Fund in the fiscal 2017 budget.

After hearing from Thomas, the Board approved the purchase of the two lasers, but later in the meeting, Commissioner Jeff Jacques said he had reservations about his initial vote to approve the gift.

“The more that I thought about this, I’m opposed,” Jacques said. “I just know that we have a tough budget this year. When I really sit down and think about it, we’re funding for something that hasn’t even been requested. I think there might be some other priorities, mainly personnel that could be addressed rather than this particular item.”

Jacques also questioned spending the money especially if the GSP had not specifically asked for the equipment.

“It’s a small investment but something that’s not been requested or asked for, I think it’s important that it’s clearly defined as a need. I’ve never done this, but Mr. Chairman I would like to go back and ask that we vote for this again.”

Other Commissioners agreed the County should find out first what equipment Post 52 might need.

The Board then questioned County attorney Bubba Samuels on the point of order regarding taking a new vote and rescinding the old one.

After getting approval from Samuels to take a new vote, the Board voted 4 to 1 to rescind spending the money to buy the GSP two new lasers.

The Board then directed Thomas to contact Commander Whitworth at Post 52 to find out what equipment they might need.