The Parma Police Department is set to get a new vehicle.
Earlier this month, the city council approved the purchase of a new Chevrolet Tahoe for the PPD's K-9 patrol. The cost of the vehicle could run as high as $29,000.
Tim DeGeeter, the mayor of Parma, said it will be a challenge to balance the city's 2015 budget, but the council felt the new vehicle was needed. Funds to pay for it will come from the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) fund, rather than the general budget.
The PPD is more than $200,000 above its overtime budget thus far in 2014, with the added hours having been caused by the sharp increase in calls for assistance.
In 2013, there were 38,686 calls, but in 2014, for the period January-July, 21,406 calls have come in. If the pace continues, the department will see an 11% increase in responses this year.
With an increase in calls, the PPD needs to respond quickly and professionally to those looking for assistance, and will no doubt be hoping that the addition of a new vehicle can help make a statement on how seriously it takes the matter.
City officials might consider working with a flyer printing company on a mailer for residents explaining the need for the new vehicle and the latest call statistics.
