New patrol car approved during city board meeting

The Dresden City Board held their first meeting of the fiscal year on July 1, where they approved previous minutes as well as a new police patrol car for the city. The approval of a new patrol car has been in discussion for the past few city board meetings, with it finally being approved.

At the April meeting, Police Chief Bryan Chandler stated that they had budgeted for the new car with $40,000 from the Drug Fund, but that the new car would go slightly over the budget. During this recent meeting, Chief Chandler asked the board for approval of the new vehicle.

“I think that this would benefit the city greatly,” Chandler said.

Alderman Willie Parker made a motion to approve, followed by Alderman Ralph Cobb. The board approved with a unanimous vote.

The new vehicle has been paid for and is now in the hands of the city. It is a 2021 Ford Explorer with a low mileage, and came from Union City.

“It is a budget saver. We didn’t want to burden the taxpayers,” Chandler said.

Decals made by Delta Imaging Sign Company to match the other police cars are finished and ready to be put on the vehicle.

Mayor Mark Maddox announced that a municipal election will be held on November 5 for three Alderman positions. 

“I have seen some qualifying petitions wandering around here,” Mayor Maddox said.

The qualifying deadline will be August 15. 

Mayor Maddox also reminded the city that the Dresden City Hall will be closed on July 4 and 5 in observance of the 4th of July.