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At an Oct  28, the Greenville City Council approved several resolutions related to community development, economic growth and police funding. Among the highlights was a resolution aimed at securing $500,000 for the installation of electric car charging stations and a new restaurant.

“Resolution 2024-69 is to get $500,000 from ADECA [Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs] and the commitment is only like 12 jobs to be able to get the $500,000,” Mayor Dexter Mclendon announced during the meeting. The resolution, which addresses plans for the space behind Taco Bell, is part of the city’s efforts to increase infrastructure for electric vehicles and promote business expansion.

Other resolutions passed included Resolution 2024-67 and Resolution 2024-70, both of which authorize the city to file applications with the Delta Regional Authority’s Community Infrastructure Fund. Additionally, Resolution 2024-68 supports an application to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to promote economic development.

The council also addressed law enforcement funding with the approval of Resolution 2024-72, allowing the police department to apply for a 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Fund Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) worth up to $50,000. Police Chief Justin Lovvorn emphasized the need for the grant to purchase a spectrometer to aid drug enforcement. “This could be inserted into any drug and immediately identify it,” Lovvorn said. “It would give us that presumptive test that we need to get [drug evidence] into court.” 

The chief further explained that the current backlog in drug testing can create delays, making this technology crucial for quick and reliable results.

In addition to grant applications, the council approved several budgeted expenditures, including $4,220 for police department body camera licenses and software. Council members also allocated $6,700 for recreation management software and $3,486.45 for two narcotic safes for the fire department.

The council concluded by announcing the rescheduling of its next meeting to accommodate the holiday season. The previously planned Nov. 11 meeting will now be held on Nov. 18.