Valley Grande city officials and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) are inquiring about putting a drug dog in the city.

Councilman Lamar Morgan addressed the subject at Valley Grande’s City Council meeting on Tuesday night at Valley Grande city hall. The meeting was moved from its normal Monday slot because of the MLK holiday.

Morgan said he’s talked with DCSO Lt. John Hatfield about the drug dog, which are commonly known as detection dogs. The animal is trained to use its sense of smell for locating illicit substances, such as drugs that can be carried on a person in their effects.

“Lt. Hatfield will let me know about a price,” Morgan said. “We’ve been in discussions. A drug dog will help our community.”

Valley Grande Mayor Matt Dobbs agreed and asked Morgan if there will be additional training needed once the drug dog is purchased.

“I suspect the dog will be already trained,” Councilman Jimmy Johnson said.

No vote was taken because it’s just in the preliminary stages.

Councilman Ronald Sawyer said wiring and lights were both completed at the city storage building. He also said lights were put up at Valley Grande Ball park.

The nine-minute meeting ended with two announcements from City Clerk Janet Frasier. She said the city audit will begin next week. Frasier also added that a flood of residents are coming to purchase business licenses before the Jan. 31 deadline.

The next Valley Grande council meeting will be held on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at Valley Grande city hall.