FARMINGTON – Franklin County commissioners approved the purchase of new handguns for sheriff’s department personnel Tuesday, replacing aging weapons with newer models.
Commissioners approved expending the remaining $1,353 in the criminal forfeiture account, as well as $674 elsewhere in the budget for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. That $2,027, along with money garnered through trading in the existing firearms, will provide enough funding to buy the replacements.
The existing Glock pistols were purchased in 1993 and require new parts in many cases; such as new barrels, new firing pins and new tritium gun sights. The new weapons will have interchangeable magazines, according to Chief Deputy Ray Meldrum. The deal will allow the department to trade in a small number of non-Glock handguns for Glocks, allowing everyone to use a single, standardized weapon.
Each existing weapon will be traded in for $189, to go toward purchasing new weapons. Personnel will have the option of buying their service weapon for personal use for the same price.
In other business, commissioners approved increasing the wage of Dispatcher Kyle Ellis. The dispatcher, who had left the department for a year and a half before returning roughly two years ago, will receive credit for the years he worked for the department, both before and after his hiatus. The increase raises Ellis’ wage from $13.85 an hour, a probationary amount, to $14.80 an hour, the wage of a dispatcher with five years experience.
Similarly, Aaron Marden, who does maintenance and custodian work at the Franklin County Detention Center, successfully completed his six-month probationary period, and will receive a wage increase from $10.98 an hour to $11.62 an hour. Facility Manager Doug Blauvelt credited Marden with his maintenance work at the jail, and his assistance in the role of a corrections officer when needed.
Commissioners also approved taking Transport Supervisor Albert Smith and Transport/Corrections Officer Phillip Richards off of probation, with both employees having worked six months since moving into their positions. Neither actions will result in a wage increase.
