Dog Training Equipment | Streator Police K9 Fundraiser OK 'd

In a committee of the whole workshop this week, the City Council agree with the concept of purchasing the animal after hearing a proposed budget.

The coalition intends to raise $ 8,000 to $ 10,000 through the community to raise funds to purchase the dog.

"I hope the city will respond," said Bill Niebuhr, president of the coalition of drugs. "I 'm hoping that we can raise what we need in the next two months. Once we have the money, that' s when the dog can be bought."

The rest of the program will be funded through the city 's drug fund, which is constructed from a percentage of the money obtained from the arrests.

As a result, City Manager Paul Nicholson said the annual impact on the city 's general fund will be neutral.

"The drug fund had sufficient funds 100 percent of the time going back," said Nicholson.

An estimated $ 6,490 offer to pay an additional 152 hours of labor necessary for an officer to care for the dog. Training, equipment and food is expected to cost about $ 3,800.

Councillors asked if the officer would have to take time concierge outside their regular shift. The city recently cut one position from the police force.

Police Chief Jeff Anderson said it is not the case and the dog will accompany the official in his regular shift. Councilman Ed Brozak said the loss of staff should make the dog more valuable.

Anderson said the addition of dog 's going to help the force to do searches on traffic stops, which can lead to major arrests. School administrators in the coalition also expressed the value of having a dog capable of performing local searches.

He said other police departments reported that the dog will pay for itself in the money it brings to the city 's drug fund.

The City Council still must approve the budget amendment, but a survey showed they were 4-1 in favor. Councilman Ed Benner said he would vote against the purchase of the dog because he said that a dog can not prevent drug addiction.

The drug coalition is planning a golf fundraising day game probably in September.

Donations will be in the care of John Washko, the coalition 's secretary, in 1619 N. 1590th Road, Streator, IL 61364. Questions may be directed to John or Amy Washko 815-672-4989.

Proposed budget for K9 Program

Income:
Drug Fund: $ 1.500
Donations: $ 9.000
*** Additional drugs estimated cash fund $ 8.290
Total: $ 18,790

Expenses:
Staff: $ 6,490
Team: $ 1.000
Vet: $ 800
Food: $ 500
Dog: $ 8,500
Dog Training: $ 1.500
Total: $ 18,790

*** Total cash on April 30 came to $ 22,000