Work continues with the organization of a new police department in Stockbridge.

After the September 20 appointment of Frank Trammer as police chief, city officials issued an announcement that four new commanding officers were sworn in December 6. Glenn Kalish and Richard Godfrey will serve with a rank of commander, while Ron Momon and Anton Paton have been named lieutenant commanders.

The four new officers have varying levels of law enforcement experience ranging from 19 to more than 30 years with a wide variety of agencies.

The city has also announced that a series of public meetings will be scheduled in the near future “highlighting city police engagement for community members.”

Police expenses factored heavily in the city’s proposed new budget, which was scheduled for a third public hearing and final adoption at the City Council’s December 13 regular meeting. Just over $3 million was allocated for the police department in the $18.2 million total budget, which was increased about $800,000 from what has been previously proposed.

About 60 new law enforcement positions are to be filled in the coming months. The council voted November 30 to approve a $754,615.40 expenditure for accessories related to 60 police vehicles as well as $165,175 in design costs for a police precinct building on North Henry Boulevard.

In other recent city business, the council voted November 30 to approve the allocation of $385,400 in SPLOST money for a task order related to the city’s parks master plan. Also approved were an additional sidewalk for a street next to the amphitheater, the first phase of a signage initiative for major city arterial roads, a strategic work plan for economic development in the city, a new policy for replacement of fleet vehicles or equipment, and a waiver to allow a speed hump on Winbrook Drive in the Winslow subdivision. All of these measures were approved with no dissenting votes.