Graceville Commission Faces Tense Debate Over Police Staffing, Approves Project Updates

The Graceville City Commission convened for its September meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, before moving into a full agenda that highlighted infrastructure updates, community projects, and a heated public debate over police staffing.

Commissioners unanimously approved the agenda before turning to business. Commissioner Curtis Pinkard made an early motion to hire a sixth police officer, but the proposal failed for lack of a second, setting the tone for what became the most contentious issue of the evening.

City Manager Michelle Watkins reported progress on the 1st and 2nd Avenue paving project, requesting authorization to advertise for construction engineering inspection. The commission approved the motion unanimously.

Three residents — Chris King, Logan Chappell, and Arthur Obar — were approved to serve on the Planning Commission. Commissioner Terry Nichols recused himself from voting due to a family connection.

Commissioners also approved a $4,200 change order related to drainage and fill material at the new fire department project. Watkins confirmed that demolition of the old City Hall brick building is set to proceed at a quoted cost of $20,000. The decision came after sharp questioning from resident Regina Wolfgang regarding bidding, permitting, and environmental requirements. City Attorney Frank Bondurant clarified that state law does not require competitive bidding for contracts under $20,000. The commission ultimately approved the demolition.

Watkins shared updates on several grant applications and projects:

•Downtown Infrastructure Improvements: $1.48 million request for sidewalks, decorative signage, and street enhancements.

•Stormwater Planning: $264,500 application to address flooding in the Pine Street, Dekle, Watford, and Webb areas.

•Fire Department: Substantial completion expected by the end of September.

•Sewer & Water System Hardening: Plans and specifications under review with DEO.

•Bayline Park: Florida Public Utilities has agreed to replace light fixtures, with future maintenance covered.

•Utility Billing: Conversion to new software on Sept. 16 will allow residents to set up auto-pay for the first time.

•Harvest Festival: Vendor spaces are sold out, entertainment is booked, and the pageant is scheduled for Saturday at the Civic Center.

Additional updates included Civic Center LED light replacements, a completed well repair, and ongoing preparations for grant-funded sewer and water projects.

Public comment was dominated by concerns over the city’s decision not to expand its five-officer police force.

Resident and publisher Samantha Angerbrandt criticized commissioners for denying the sixth officer, arguing that budget allocations favored raises and utility expenses over public safety. Several citizens, including Christina Deon and Charlene Miller, raised concerns about officer burnout, response times, and the chief’s residency outside the city.

Longtime newsman Rickey Stokes addressed the commission, warning about the dangers of limited police coverage in a large county and sharing law enforcement statistics from Jackson County. Former firefighter Jerry Williams requested that the historic siren atop the old City Hall be preserved during demolition.

Commissioners offered differing views. Nichols and McClendon defended the five-officer staffing level as adequate for a small town, citing budget constraints and comparisons with similar municipalities. Pinkard expressed frustration and emotion, apologizing to citizens and reiterating his belief that additional officers are necessary to protect both residents and law enforcement.

The exchanges at times grew tense, with citizens accusing commissioners of ignoring public input and commissioners defending their decisions as fiscal responsibility. Calls for transparency and accountability echoed throughout the public comment portion.

In closing, commissioners urged citizens to remain unified despite disagreements. Mayor Walter Olds likened the city’s progress to planting seeds that are beginning to break through the soil, citing ongoing projects such as the fire department, splash pad, and infrastructure grants as signs of forward momentum.

While the meeting covered a wide range of business, the debate over police staffing underscored the ongoing divide between citizens seeking increased protection and commissioners prioritizing budget limits.

*The transcript of the meeting can be found in the September 25 edition of The Graceville News*

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