Despite unprecedented growth, The Taylor Police Department staffing has not increased in 23 years. But help could be on the way.
At the April 27 meeting, Police Chief Henry Fluck will ask city leaders for authorization to apply for a grant from the Community Oriented Policing Services program to fund five additional police officers for the city, which are already requested as part of next year’s budget.
“This is a true need,” according to city documents. “In 1999, the police department staffing was 30 sworn officers, which is the same as our current authorized staffing level today...The objective is to provide one additional patrol officer on the street by increasing each shift by one officer.”
The COPS Hiring Program, which is administered by the United States Department of Justice, would fund up to 75 percent of each entry-level salary, which will be $82,722 next year, and benefits for up to three years.
“The Police Department receives numerous requests for a police presence in the downtown area, but this can only be addressed if and when patrol officers are on uncommitted time (not out on a call for service) and competes with other enforcement needs throughout the city,” officials said. “Foot/bike patrol is more effective than vehicle patrol in a congested and high-density business area. The city facilities of Pierce Skate Park, Heritage Square, Murphy Park, and City Hall would also be patrolled on foot/bike, adding to the visible presence of police to create safety in the downtown area and central city parks.”
According to officials, the city applied for this grant last May, but did not receive it.
In other business: The city will consider approving a resolution to rank road and trail priorities to submit to Williamson County as part of a possible November 2023 Road and Park Bond Election. At the meeting, city leaders will hear a proposal from Public Works Director Jim Gray to submit three roadway projects, including a new corridor from FM 973 to Texas 95, an extension of County Road 401 north from U.S. 79 to Chandler Road, and Segment 2 of Williamson County’s Southeast Loop, which will connect Texas 130 to 79. In addition, city staff are proposing three new trail projects, including connecting Taylor’s trail system to Williamson County’s Trail Master Plan, a new trail from Robinson Park to Taylor High School along Mustang Creek, as well as a Hutto-to-Taylor trail.
The city will hold a public hearing for an application for a permit to build a new wireless telecommunication tower at 1701 W. Second St. using Verizon equipment to “enhance capacity for existing customers in the southwest part of the city,” per city documents.
Officials will hear a presentation from Oncor about the electrical system failures and responses that occurred in Taylor during Winter Storm Mara, as well as proposed next steps for future ice storms.
The Taylor City Council meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St. in Taylor. Agendas and live broadcasts are available at http://www.taylortx.gov.
