Rathdrum to consider re-instating police position

RATHDRUM - The Rathdrum City Council tonight will consider whether to allow staff to apply for a grant to fill a police officer position.

The federal government released $200 million in funding to hire or re-hire police officers who have been laid off or unhired due to budgetary reasons.

Since December 2009, with the retirement of a lieutenant, Rathdrum Police has an unfunded police officer job that would be eligible for federal grant funding, Chief Kevin Fuhr said.

The grant would pay for the first three years of the officer's starting salary and benefits ($177,400). The city is responsible for at least the fourth year of the officer's wage and benefits ($59,000).

City Administrator Brett Boyer said the council has expressed an interest in filling the position.

"I previously argued to hold off ... but would see an opportunity to pay for the position for three years as an opportunity we should not pass up," Boyer wrote in a memo to the council.

The only additional costs to the city would be wage increases over the four years, the officer's training and equipment that would be needed and not in inventory.

The council will also consider the street rehabilitation program before it goes out to bid.

Pavement overlays are scheduled for the following streets: Parkway, State, Roth, Larch, Arbor, Montana (short section adjacent to Arbor) and Main (near Mountain View school).

"These streets are chip-and-seal roads and are showing considerable distress," said Kevin Jump, the city's engineer.

In other business, the council will honor John Brown for his work on a mural in the council chambers and Bob Miller who has stepped down from the Parks and Recreation Commission after several years.

There are no public hearings tonight. The meeting starts at 6 at City Hall, 8047 W. Main St.