COUNCIL DOUBLES CONTRIBUTION TO DRUG TASK FORCE

SYLACAUGA -- Recognizing the prevalence of illegal drugs, particularly
methamphetamine, in the area, the city has almost doubled its funding for
the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to increase its
contribution from $22,355 for the 2004-2005 fiscal year to $44,689 for the
next fiscal year.

The council decided to approve a resolution granting the additional funding
after hearing from Assistant District Attorney Barry Matson at its work
session Monday night. Matson told the council that matching federal funds
would be cut next year from 75 percent of the task force's operating budget
to 50 percent. The next year it could be cut to nothing.

Councilman Harold Ward said he felt the council should do its part to
ensure the program's continuation.

"Obviously, with the war in Afghanistan and Homeland Security and the war
in Iraq, a lot of soft money is taken up and programs get cut," Ward said.
"We'll measure up to whatever they don't get."

According to information presented by Matson to the council, Sylacauga has
so far this fiscal year had more cases and arrests for drug and violent
crime activity.

"If you ignore that, it won't ignore you," Ward said.

"This is a countywide issue, and it's pretty much proportional to the size
of the city," said Police Chief Louis Zook.

Zook said the department takes a proactive stance toward drugs and violent
crime. He said many of those cases originate with the Police Department's
patrol division and are passed along to the task force.

The District Attorney's Office is also asking other cities and towns within
the county to support the task force.

Some have already committed additional money to support the program
challenged with combating the growing methamphetamine problem in the county.

"We've got to step up if it's going to continue," said Councilman Don
Flippo. "It's something we can't do without."

Flippo added that as long as the city had the money, he would continue to
support the task force.

Also Tuesday, the council:

Approved a resolution requesting Sen. Jim Preuitt's help in getting an
extension on the grant designated for construction of the proposed senior
center. The grant, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and
Community Affairs, has been extended several times in the past few years as
council members have debated on the details of the center.

Approved accounts payable for June totaling $129,279 and payrolls for June
totaling $331,189.

Approved $21,505 for the purchase of a support vehicle for the Fire
Department and $3,000 for additional equipment.

Set a date for a public hearing regarding the closing of an alley on Mobile
Avenue to allow for the expansion of hospital facilities. The hearing will
be held Sept. 7 at 9 a.m.

Rescheduled the city's regular public forum for Monday, Aug. 8.