A Conducted Energy Device is commonly referred to as a Taser.LUNCH PRICE RISEThe Dayton City School Board on Monday approved a request from cafeteria manager Tammy Travis to raise lunch prices by 25 cents next year. Travis told the board the increase had been mandated by officials in the federal lunch program. "With the extra money, I plan to feed everybody free at breakfast," she said. Lunches will cost $2.50 for students and $3 for teachers next year.
DAYTON, Tenn. - Dayton police officers will be equipped with Tasers as soon as the devices can be purchased and officers trained, City Council members decided Monday.
Police Chief Chris Snead told council members he had some $8,600 saved from a sale of confiscated weapons last year and could pay for six of the devices with that money. But he recommended the city purchase 16 Tasers, one for each officer, at a total cost of $20,460.
Mayor Bob Vincent and Vice Mayor Bobby Doss objected to buying 16 Tasers because council members earlier had discussed with the chief purchasing six and no money was allocated for the additional devices.
However, Councilman Gary Louallen said he believes assigning one Taser to each officer would be safer and officers could be more confident that they would work if needed.
Councilmen first defeated a motion to purchase only six Tasers, with Vincent and Doss voting for and Councilmen Louallen, Bill Graham and Steve Randolph opposing. They switched votes to approve the purchase. The approval came with a stipulation that the devices not be issued until officers are trained in their use.
In other matters, councilmen delayed action on a request by the city of Harriman to support its effort to locate a veterans hospital in that community. They agreed to ask Rhea County Veterans Service Officer Bill Metts for a recommendation, citing reports that the city of Cleveland also is pursuing a veterans facility.