The Knox Police Department’s efforts to fundraise for a new K-9 unit have helped spur a related source of help from the Knox Redevelopment Commission.
During Wednesday night’s meeting, Redevelopment Commission members considered a request to partially fund a vehicle purchase to contain the K-9 while on patrol. Knox Police suggest a Chevrolet Tahoe is the most viable car for the job.
The Police Department held fundraisers throughout the community in an attempt to raise the thousands needed to purchase and train the dog and were ultimately successful in their attempts.
Funding requests for a new vehicle in the 2016 budget were made, but the item was removed by the City Council heading into the year. Now that the Redevelopment Commission has committed $20-thousand for the purchase of the vehicle, roughly half the cost, out of the City’s TIF fund the Knox City Council will be tasked with finding the other half of the money.
The Police Department noted on Wednesday that the Tahoe is more comfortable for both the officers and the K-9 unit while on patrol.
The Redevelopment Commission approved the funding request, unanimously.
