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Branson Police Department Going Touchless at new Police Facility

Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 12:00 AM

By JonChristopher Collins

The Branson Police Department was approved to use a grant in an effort to halt the spread of diseases.

Bill 6411 was approved by the Branson Board of Aldermen during the Tuesday night meeting. It's approved the use of a federal grant from the Department of Health and Senior Services aimed at minimize the risk of diseases spreading via touch. Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt approached the board to request approval.

Schmitt explained that this opportunity came after finishing a survey. He said they were "approved for $180,000." The staff report provides an additional detail.

According to the report, "that is a reimbursement grant and does not require matching funds." The report also highlights specific products for which the money is intended.

"The grant will be used to purchase hands free items such as touchless sinks, commodes, soap dispensers and keyless door entries for the new police facility." The police chief said that the department is on a "pretty tight timeframe" to receive the products; that same timeline is not applied to installation of the products.

Following the first approval, the board did a second reading. Branson Alderman Marshall Howden voted against doing a second reading out of caution over them quickly.

Howden and Branson Alderman Ruth Denham both voted against the second reading. Before the vote to pass the bill, the police chief spoke.

Schmitt sought to bring clarity to Howden. He explained that while the grant was already approved and added that the desire for a second reading is because of the nature of the project.

It's a "restoration project." Schmitt went on to state that the must turn in "special paperwork" for approval of the items. That puts him on a different timeline than building projects.

He also said he's "worried" that the items won't come in on time to qualify for reimbursement. The five aldermen in attendance all voted "yes" the second reading occurred. Alderman Clay Cooper wasn't present that evening.

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