The Florence Police Department has received a big financial windfall - courtesy of the federal government. More than $622,000 is going to the department to help hire new officers. However, many tax paying citizens in the Shoals have mixed emotions about the money that's being spent.
Linda Brown, a resident of Florence, is not very fond of the federal government's spending habits lately.
"I don't think we should spend money we don't have," says Brown. "Americans can't do it as individual citizens and I don't think the government should either."
Jay Wilson has more of a "middle of the road" approach to the issue.
"I think part of it is good and part of it I don't approve of," says Wilson.
Part of the government's massive stimulus plan is directly affecting the city of Florence. The Florence Police Department has qualified for a federal stimulus grant of more than $622,000 to hire new officers.
"It's enough to fund five officers, as well as their salaries and benefits for three years," explains Deputy Chief Tim Shaddix.
Shaddix says they plan to add an officer to each 12-hour shift, both day and night, as well as to the criminal investigations division. According to Shaddix, staffing has always been struggle.
"We're at 95 now and these five will get us to 100," says Shaddix. "It's kind of a milestone for us. It will be the most the department has ever employed."
After the three year period ends, Shaddix says the city of Florence will be required to keep the officers on for at least another year. He anticipates being able to retain all the new officers.
"We foresee great things coming from this and it will make a big difference," says Shaddix.
As for the taxpayers WHNT News 19 spoke to, both were willing to compromise when it came to spending money for better public safety.
"Police work is fine, it's needed," says Wilson. "I don't have a problem with that."
"As long as it's going to help the environment or the community, absolutely," says Brown.
The money going to the Florence Police Department is in the Community Oriented Policing Services Program. The North Courtland and Haleyville Police Departments are also getting funds to hire one officer each.
In Alabama, 224 law enforcement agencies applied for grant money and only 44 qualified.
Linda Brown, a resident of Florence, is not very fond of the federal government's spending habits lately.
"I don't think we should spend money we don't have," says Brown. "Americans can't do it as individual citizens and I don't think the government should either."
Jay Wilson has more of a "middle of the road" approach to the issue.
"I think part of it is good and part of it I don't approve of," says Wilson.
Part of the government's massive stimulus plan is directly affecting the city of Florence. The Florence Police Department has qualified for a federal stimulus grant of more than $622,000 to hire new officers.
"It's enough to fund five officers, as well as their salaries and benefits for three years," explains Deputy Chief Tim Shaddix.
Shaddix says they plan to add an officer to each 12-hour shift, both day and night, as well as to the criminal investigations division. According to Shaddix, staffing has always been struggle.
"We're at 95 now and these five will get us to 100," says Shaddix. "It's kind of a milestone for us. It will be the most the department has ever employed."
After the three year period ends, Shaddix says the city of Florence will be required to keep the officers on for at least another year. He anticipates being able to retain all the new officers.
"We foresee great things coming from this and it will make a big difference," says Shaddix.
As for the taxpayers WHNT News 19 spoke to, both were willing to compromise when it came to spending money for better public safety.
"Police work is fine, it's needed," says Wilson. "I don't have a problem with that."
"As long as it's going to help the environment or the community, absolutely," says Brown.
The money going to the Florence Police Department is in the Community Oriented Policing Services Program. The North Courtland and Haleyville Police Departments are also getting funds to hire one officer each.
In Alabama, 224 law enforcement agencies applied for grant money and only 44 qualified.
