The council approved final reading of the ordinance, despite problems with the electronic balloting system early in the meeting.

“What we're looking at doing is a multi-tiered program set up with a pool of money, $10,000 at this point,” said City Manager Gary Fuqua. “We would work with Crimestoppers. They have a point system they use when they look at a crime and have to determine how much reward money to award. We're looking at matching their reward system, and in some instances — when it's a high profile case or there is a lot of damage involved — actually increasing the reward with the permission of the council.”

Both the Birdwell Park and Kids' Zone at Comanche Trail Park have been attacked by arsonists, according to officials with the Big Spring Fire Department, in addition to graffiti and other damages at city and other public facilities. And while reward money will be a big part of the program, Fuqua said the city won't stop there.

“We're also looking at installing video cameras,” said Fuqua. “We have it in the budget this year to purchase some additional video cameras. The CVB (Conventions and Visitors Bureau) board is also looking at sponsoring some cameras for us. One thing the committee wanted to make sure of is the cameras we buy are the right cameras for the job.”

The city of Big Spring, along with other local entities, offered a reward worth several thousand dollars following the fire at Kids' Zone — as well as the destruction of the historic totem pole near Old Settlers Pavilion — to no avail, but according to police officials, it's just a matter of time.

“You may think you have the best friends in the world, but cold, hard cash will usually win out,” said Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer with the Big Spring Police Department. “It's just a matter of time before someone who knows something gets in a jam and needs some cash. So the people that did this (vandalism to Kids' Zone) may not get caught today, or even tomorrow, but it's just a matter of time.”

Big Spring Fire Marshall Carl Condray described the arson attacks as mindless, and said he hopes the creation of the fund will help deter future attacks.

“It's hard to get your head around it when someone destroys something like a playground,” said Condray. “It's just mindless, wanton destruction. As a city, we have to do everything within our power to send a message to these people that this is not going to be tolerated. If you get caught being a part of this kind of senseless mayhem, you're going to pay a very, very stiff price.”

Mayor Russ McEwen said there's really no way to foretell what sort of effect the fund and its ensuing measures will have, but said it's definitely a step in the right direction.

“This is one of those imponderable things. This is our attempt to do everything we can to try to control this problem, but you just don't know how effective it will be,” said McEwen. “What sort of effect will it have? I hope it has a great effect, and I anticipate it will leave a mark on it, the camera's more than the rewards. All of a sudden people are going to look around and realize they could get caught, and that's the key to this. We put up large rewards for Kids' Zone, but unfortunately that's money we weren't able to spend. I wish we had, and it was big dollars. However, we live in different times.”

Anyone with information regarding the fires, totem pole or any other acts of vandalism are asked to call Big Spring Area Crimestoppers at 264-TIPS (8477). No caller ID is ever used, and informants can remain anonymous.

Information can also be left with the Fire Marshal's Office at 264-2305, or the Big Spring Police Department at 264-2550.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it