Maryville Board authorizes Department of Justice application for grant program

By Kathy Turner • The Maryville board on July 15 approved a grant application to the U.S. Dept. of Justice. 

The grant is a COPS Hiring Program grant. COPS stands for Community-Oriented Policing Services. It helps smaller communities secure funds to bolster their police departments by providing funds for salaries, benefits, training and support of officers.

The other action item at the meeting also pertained to the police department. A motion was approved to purchase two new 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles. Chief Manley reported that Morrow Brothers, the state approved vendor, has two vehicles in stock from this year’s inventory. Once the new model year comes out, there will be a delay in delivery as well as a potential price increase.

The two vehicles requested will be at a cost of $60,929. This is lower than last year’s pricing. The 2026/27 budget allotted for the purchase of two vehicles. One new unit will replace unit #186, which needs major repairs.

During the meeting the board members expressed their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of volunteers, fire department personnel and village employees who managed to pull off a successful homecoming the prior weekend despite the heavy rains. They also commended community members who stuck it out at the homecoming despite the weather. 

The next meeting of the board will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m.