Alderman questions need for three officers

In a special meeting on July 23, 2007, Adrian's City Council voted to approve the upcoming year's budget, after much discussion. Alderman Hank Stark questioned the amount designated for the police department, saying, "I’m not against the police department, but I don’t understand why a little one horse jerkwater town has to have 24-hour, 7 day a week police coverage.”

“I’m sick and tired of spending money to protect [repeat offenders],” Stark continued. “The police force does not prevent crime, they only address it after it happens.”

Leonard Harrison, City Administrator, stated that he hopes the addition of a third full time police officer will help deter crime. “[With only two officers] after a certain hour, we have to depend on the highway patrol,” Harrison said.

“I do believe [police] prevent crime just by their presence,” Mayor Cindy Kendrick agreed.