Vicksburg officials bought three new compact mobile radios Monday at a cost of $16,317 for newly promoted police sergeants.

The radios and their accompanying equipment are more versatile than the radios used by patrol officers, said Deputy Chief Frank Phelps.

The sergeants who will be assigned the new radios will turn over their older radios to newly hired officers, Phelps said.

The Vicksburg Police Department employs between 90 and 100 officers, each of whom has a police radio. But the department plans to hire more officers in coming months, up to a maximum of 108, Police Chief Mitchell Dent has said.

Vicksburg officers are equipped with state-of-the-art trunked 800 megahertz digital radios purchased four years ago for about $2 million.

The new radios were bought under the city contract with Motorola.

In other business, the city:

Received bids for street work on a two-mile stretch of North Washington Street between First East Street and Haining Road.

Received bids for two new pavilions at Riverfront Park. While use of the park is on a first-come, first-served basis, Recreation Director Sid Beauman said he has gotten an increasing number of requests to reserve the one large pavilion already at the park. Family reunions, picnics, church group meetings, children’s parties and other events are often held there.

Awarded contracts for mosquito spray to Adapco Inc. of West Monroe, La., and Quality Unlimited Products of Mabelville, Ark.

Approved a list of items from the City Planning Department to be declared surplus property. The items are mainly computer equipment and other office equipment that no longer works and has been replaced.

Applied to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for funds to print a brochure about Vicksburg’s historic district. The brochure will go to property owners in the district, explaining the special requirements that affect their properties.

Agreed to allow Central Fire Station to lease a new photocopy machine.

Accepted the tax collector’s insolvent list for delinquent taxes for fiscal year 1999-2000.

Approved buying a half-page ad for $50 in the souvenir booklet for the 94th anniversary of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Authorized the city clerk to advertise for sealed bids for ambulances and weed control.