The Town of Farmville could see new lighting and sidewalks, resurfaced streets, new police uniforms and vehicles and a push for more beautification across town in preparation of the October 2016 vice-presidential debate.

On Friday, the Farmville Town Council held a special meeting to discuss a budget revolving around the planned debate.

The town hopes to seek assistance from the state to help with the costs associated with the potential projects. A total budget estimate has not yet been finalized. The town council discussed a multitude of options to ensure the Farmville would be adequately outfitted for the event, which is expected to bring thousands to the area.

Farmville Police Chief Curtis Davis said at least three more police vehicles would be needed as well as an increase in marked vehicles. “There’s an opportunity for leases out there,” said Davis. “There are several departments that just use leases instead of purchasing. They find it to be a whole lot more beneficial because they can rotate the vehicles out,” he said.

According to Davis, there are currently a total of 31 police vehicles, including one animal unit and one airport vehicle. However, only 14 are marked.

In addition, Davis said the department could mark its vehicles. “Two of our vehicles right now are marked differently — older style. We need to change that, but we can also put special markings on any of our police vehicles, which I believe is wonderful for community use whether it be an American flag on the hood or the Town of Farmville background … probably at around $400 or $500 a vehicle you can get that done especially for the event,” Davis said. 

The chief also explained that an increase in manpower would be needed about two weeks leading up to the event and during the event. The option to borrow officers from other departments would be available and portable radios could be linked through local dispatch centers, he said.

“Communications also seems to get blamed in the end,” said Farmville Mayor David Whitus. “I just want to be sure we don’t have that issue.”

Davis said he plans to use multiple frequencies and multiple communication platforms.

In addition to increases in vehicles and manpower, Davis said an improvement in appearance is necessary. “We need to start from scratch with our uniforms,” said Davis. “I’m looking at $5,500 to $5,600, which would outfit each officer with two long sleeve [shirts], two short sleeve [shirts] and the outer-vest carrier,” he said.

Davis also said an additional two officers over the normal number on staff would be ideal to ensure enough staff were available leading up to the event.

Farmville Director of Public Works Robin Atkins said the department currently did not have the proper reflective gear to work at night.

Atkins estimated it would cost at least $2,000 just to outfit people to work at night.

Atkins said upgrades would possibly be needed for communications, signs/stands and town beautification.

According to Whitus, the proposed chosen entrance route for the event would be South Main Street.

The mayor said it would be ideal to clean up the entrances and impose corporate advertising on the island near the South Main entrance.

Whitus also expressed interest at the possibility of hosting a hospitality event for the influx of individuals in town.