Franklin BOC Approves, Then Votes to Rescind Purchasing Laser Equipment for Hartwell GSP Post

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Post 52 of the Georgia State Patrol will have to let Franklin County know what equipment it needs in order to receive it.

Earlier this month, Franklin County Commissioners approved and then rescinded their approval of a gift of laser equipment to the Hartwell Post of the Georgia State Patrol.

That was after Franklin County Manager Beth Thomas requested the County be proactive and make the Post a gift of two lasers.

“In attending meetings and talking with other leaders around the area, I’ve discovered it’s not uncommon for local governments to purchase equipment for GSP and donate it to them,” she said. “I’d like the Board to consider the purchase of laser equipment for GSP Post 52 in appreciation for the work that they do.”

Thomas said she had not spoken with Hartwell GSP Post Commander Al Whitworth about whether his Post needed radar equipment, but says the gift would help strengthen the relationship between Franklin County and the Georgia State Patrol post.

“The estimated cost is between $5,000 and $6,000,” Thomas said. “I know that’s a broader range, but there’s some optional features. I haven’t spoke to the Post Commander and he may opt for some of these optional amounts.”

Thomas said the money to purchase the lasers would come from Franklin County’s General Fund in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget.

After hearing from Thomas, the Franklin County Commission approved the purchase of the two lasers, but later in the meeting, Commissioner Jeff Jacques said he had reservations about his initial vote to approve the gift.

“The more that I thought about this, I’m opposed,” Jacques said. “I just know that we have a tough budget this year. When I really sit down and think about it, we’re funding for something that hasn’t even been requested. I think there might be some other priorities, mainly personnel that could be addressed rather than this particular item.”

Jacques also questioned spending the money especially if the GSP had not specifically asked for the equipment.

“It’s a small investment but something that’s not been requested or asked for, I think it’s important that it’s clearly defined as a need. I’ve never done this, but Mr. Chairman I would like to go back and ask that we vote for this again.”

Other commissioners agreed Franklin County should find out first what equipment Post 52 might need.

The Board then questioned Franklin County Attorney Bubba Samuels on the point of order regarding taking a new vote and rescinding the old one.

After getting approval from Samuels to take a new vote, the Franklin County Commission voted 4 to 1 to rescind spending the money to buy the GSP two new lasers.

The commission then directed Thomas to contact Commander Whitworth at Post 52 to find out what equipment the post might need.