CRAB ORCHARD — City Commission members discussed Friday the disappearance of a lawn mower, weed trimmer and leaf blower from a storage area in the sewer plant building.
Crab Orchard Mayor Billy Shelton said the lawn equipment is valued at more than $1,000.
How the equipment was removed from the locked facility is unclear, and Shelton and council members were reluctant to classify the disappearance as theft.
"We don't know if they're stolen. They're gone," Shelton said. "We don't know how they got in there."
Shelton and city commissioners agreed a report should at least be filed with the sheriff in case the equipment was stolen.
"One reason I didn't call the sheriff (earlier) on that is … other messes," Shelton said.
In order to improve security for city equipment, Shelton said he would like to purchase a steel shipping container for $800-$1,200.
The container, which could be about 170 square feet, could be locked and placed where it would be visible from one of Crab Orchard's several security cameras, Shelton said.
Commissioners agreed the idea seemed like a good one and Shelton said he would look into exact pricing and options.
In other Crab Orchard business, Shelton said the time has come for the city to discuss re-creating a police department and hiring a part-time officer to cover Crab Orchard when a constable is not on duty.
Commissioners agreed a meeting should be scheduled to focus on and discuss police issues.
"This is July, it's a new year and we've done pretty good," Shelton said. "I want to keep it going that way."
