EUREKA - City police officers will be carrying an alternative to Mace or bullets by this spring.

The City Council has approved purchasing three Tasers for the Police Department after hearing concerns that police will use common sense before zapping someone.

"How does this affect people that have pacemakers?" Alderman Steve Kupfer asked during last week's meeting, raising the spectre of city liability and reservations about officers at Eureka College carrying the electronic stun guns.

"The issue here is the safety of our officers," Mayor Scott Punke said. "They're going to know what kind of damage these have to an individual."

Kupfer replied, "I do want the police officer to use common sense, and I've run into some officers that common sense couldn't buy."

Police Chief Al Misener bristled at Kupfer's remarks, defending the training and certification of his staff. "Every lawsuit I've seen so far, Taser has won their lawsuit," Misener said.

Alderman Jim Meares cast the only "no" vote.

"Woodford County has five Tasers and I think it is excessive for us to have three," Meares said. The cost for the weapons and supplies is not to exceed $3,500.

The money will come from the Police Department's special funds.

The council also decided to buy a 2008 Ford Explorer for the police department at a cost not to exceed $22,000. The funds will come from the 2008-2009 budgets.