Georgetown City Council postpones voting on a resolution to authorize a referendum on construction of a new police station and public facility until its first meeting in October.
The council could form a committee at its next meeting to further investigate potential problems and alternative locations for both facilities.
Most residents at this week’s meeting expressed positive views on the project, but some expressed concerns about the location of the new police station, which they said is not centrally located.
Georgetown Police Chief Ralph Holm, in his response, noted that officers had mobile work areas in their cars.
“I understand your concerns, but it won’t affect officers on the street,” Holm said. “They won’t be hibernating in the police station unless they’re processing prisoners.”
Mayor Bill West said police officials were involved in the planning and raised no concerns about the location.
“If it was such a bad location, why don’t they say, ‘No, we don’t want it there. Let’s build it right next to the family court in town,'” West said. “We don’t have any property there. There are very few properties left within the city limits.”
Holm added that he appreciates the community’s support for a new facility and that he would not object if the city chooses a different location.
“I’ll be honest – where the police are currently located is not the safest place in the community,” Holm said. “It’s a very busy area and our police are doing nothing to prevent or deter crime in this area.”
If the proposed project is approved, the construction of both facilities is expected to cost the city a total of approximately $18 million.
The Council will discuss this proposal again at its meeting on 14 October.
