That chaplains have served Fort Oglethorpe’s fire and police departments is nothing new, but last week the city council approved adding chaplain services to the budget.
City Manager Ron Goulart said that in recent years the city has supported its chaplains by providing a car and cell phone service.
Last week he proposed and the council approved contracting Southern Cross Ministries to provide chaplain services to all city employees for an annual fee of $5,000.
Councilman Eddie Stinnett questioned the amount of financial support, saying it was “possibly high” and asked why pay counselors for what could be done at no cost by area ministers. Stinnett said his objections were not aimed not at the chaplains but at the expense during a recession.
Goulart said that operating with a contract should improve accountability and set a limit on the city’s financial commitment. Southern Cross Ministries will determine reimbursements to its members for costs incurred in their chaplaincy.