Town Questions Storage of Meth Components

WTVF
Dec. 20, 2005

First there were accusations of the Smithville police chief falsifying records. Now, there's the question of why the makings of a meth lab were found near the Smithville water supply.

Late last week, chemicals associated with a meth lab were found under the Smithville water tower. An investigation concluded some of those products came from police meth seizures and had been there since 1998.

Crews have since cleaned-up the area, and health officials declared the water safe. But, it's still another big issue some Smithville council members are using as ammunition to try to get rid of the police chief.

Monday night’s council agenda included a discussion about the police chief, Sam Dunbar, but the council could not legally take action on the issue Monday night.

While the discussion of Dunbar and police chief remained non existent in the meeting, it was very much alive across the street. The controversy brewing around the police department is swirling in the city.

Dunbar’s name has been a hot topic for more than two months as he juggles accusations and now the storing of meth ingredients from meth seizures left under the town’s water tower and across the street from the middle school.

But in Monday’s council meeting there was no talk of Sam Dunbar and no talk of meth. Council adjourned in less than 15 minutes.

The council is expected to meet next year to discuss the future of Chief Dunbar. None of the accusations against the chief have been verified. The meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2006.