Brand New Cruisers Coming for Vidalia

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The Vidalia Police Department will receive new police cruisers after the Vidalia City Council approved the purchase of two new patrol vehicles on Thursday, August 31.

The Council previously sought bids from Woody Folsom of Vidalia, Woody Folsom of Baxley, and Jimmy Britt Chrysler-Dodge of Dublin. Both Woody Folsom dealerships returned a price of $76,000 total — $38,000 continued from page

per vehicle — while the Jimmy Britt dealership did not return a bid. Council members selected Woody Folsom of Vidalia for the purchase and will have additional equipment and graphics installed for an additional $5,010. This brings the total cost of both vehicles to $81,010. These vehicles will be funded through Red Speed revenue, which refers to the funds gained through the school zone cameras.

Council members also approved allowing police officers who live within 40 miles of the Vidalia Police Department to take home their vehicles in an effort to recruit new officers. Previously, only those living with 20 miles of the police department could bring their vehicles home.

The Vidalia Fire Department will also receive upgrades as a refrigerator is replaced and the driveway is repaired at Station 2. The refrigerator will cost $900 and is being purchased from Clarke Appliance through the Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). Dykes Concrete Construction will complete the driveway repairs for $61,660, which will also be funded through SPLOST.

The City Council also approved the purchase of air conditioners for the Vidalia Community Center and the Vidalia Onion Museum. These air conditioners will be funded through SPLOST and will be purchased from and installed by Premier Heating & Air at a cost a total of $14,783.

Millage rates were adopted for the City of Vidalia, as the citizens within the city limits in Montgomery and Toombs County will both pay 3.933 mills.

An estimated $3,898 will be devoted to help draft updates and additions to the Vidalia Code of Ordinances to ensure the Code is as efficient as possible.

The Council gave a nod to an agreement with K-Doug for the emergency repair of a collapsed sewage line, which disrupted services in the City. This repair will cost $59,512.97 and will be paid for with Georgia Environmental Finance Authority funding.