Pubdate: Sat, 30 Dec 2000 Source: Dayton Daily News (OH) Copyright: 2000 Dayton Daily News Contact: 45 S. Ludlow St., Dayton OH 45402 Website: http://www.activedayton.com/partners/ddn/ Forum: http://www.activedayton.com/entertainment/forums_chat/ FRANKLIN PLEDGES $5,000 FOR DRUG FIGHT FRANKLIN--The Franklin city council has pledged $5,000 for the Warren County Regional Drug Task Force after county commissioners refused to increase funding, saying it was the responsibility of local communities. The $5,000 was already earmarked in the Franklin police budget for the task force, said Police Chief Robert Rockwood. Task force Director John Burke appeared before council Dec. 18 to make the request. The regional task force targets mid-to high-level drug dealers and producers, freeing regular patrol officers from having to do that time-consuming duty, he explained. "The problem's out there," said Rockwood. "We're not capable of handling the mid-to upper-level drug cases." The $5,000 and any additional money that Franklin contributes is expected to be matched by Warren County commissioners, who pledged to match all new money donated to the task force from local governments, Burke said. Franklin had in previous years contributed officers' time to the task force, but Rockwood said, "I think the $5,000 spent is more productive." Council members agreed, but said they need to review the budget before considering contributing more. "I think Finance Committee needs to take a look at this," said Vice Mayor Greg Sample. Rockwood used the recent discovery of a methamphetamine lab in Franklin as an example of how the city benefits from the regional task force. "That was the second meth lab in two years found in Franklin," said Rockwood. "It's a growing problem. You'll be tired of hearing about it in three years." Franklin, sitting on Interstate 75, likely has drugs being transported through it every day, police said. The methamphetamine lab found in October was in a truck likely headed north. Officers arrested two Arizona men after a traffic stop revealed materials to make the drug. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager