At their meeting toward the end of March, the Two Rivers City Council learned that former Council Member, the late Jim Taddy had donated $74,000 to the Fire and Police Departments, on top of a $46,000 donation to the City as a whole.
It was up to Police Chief Brian Kohlmeier and Fire Chief Steven Denzien to come up with plans on how to use that money, which City Manager Greg Buckley said they presented at the Council Meeting on Monday (May 3rd).
“The Police Department intends to apply $50,000 toward the establishment of a Police K9 Unit for Two Rivers,” Buckley said. “Chief Kohlmeir presented a report showing they have done a lot of homework, and have identified various capital, training, and ongoing operating maintenance costs for having a K9 program.”
Chief Kohlmeir also noted at the meeting that a community fundraising effort would be needed in order to get a reasonable reserve for future needs. The remaining money would go into capital investments.
As for the Fire Department, Buckley explained that “Chief Denzien identified a number of capital expenditures…including an additional power cot for use of the ambulance with the ability to lift up to 700 pounds. [This is] for the safety of the individuals, the patients, and to help avoid back injuries related to lifting for the paramedics.”
The Fire Chief also noted a few other pieces of equipment, including but not limited to a tractor with a mower and snowblower attachment for the fire station.
Both proposals were unanimously endorsed by the City Council and will be added into the City Budget through an amendment at their next meeting.
