Just before the latest police services extension is set to expire in Stockbridge, Georgia, county commissioners approved another extension to get the city past negotiations. Police representatives were reluctant to participate, but did so under the promise this would be the final extension.

City attorney and representatives from the government attended a meeting where they asked multiple times for the county to provide exact numbers on the services that could be provided. Up until this point, the city was paying $500,000 each year for police services. The most recent resolution requested that budget be increased to $900,000 per year over the next three years. This would result in two full-time officers within the city limits 24 hours a day. All equipment and transportation facilities would be provided by the county.

The city attorney asked for documentation regarding the plan to determine why citizens should be forced to pay more money. Amendments were added to the plan and the attorney is asking that the city have additional time to review the agreement. One amendment included a request that if no agreement can be reached by August, attorneys would enter into mediation to resolve the dispute.

One city representatives stated he was comfortable with the $900,000 for three years. As the largest city in Henry County, he believes it is necessary to increase police presence and that the new agreement gives the city ample time to decide if they would rather start their own local police department.

Should the new agreement expire, the city will not go without police protection – the Henry County Police Department is committed to serving all residents within the county. It would mean that officers assigned to the city would not be forced to stay within city limits, which could result in delayed response time in some cases.