Expansion of Central Police Department: $56,983 Council Vote Next Week

    Next Tuesday Central’s City Council will consider adding $56,983 to the operating budget of the Central Police Department.  Council Member Shane Evans introduced the ordinance to create the first non-elected paid Central Police Department position, an Assistant Chief, at a cost of $43,783 per year, and to move the Police Department to larger offices at an additional cost of $13,200 per year
    In 2013/14, in addition to the Chief’s Salary, Central taxpayers paid $100,000 to EBRSO for extra duty patrols and $63,060 for the general operation of the Central Police Department.  The budget for general operations was increased in June to $71,965 for 2014/15, and would increase to $128,948 if Central’s new City Council approves the additional funding.  Newly elected Chief Salsbury was granted a reduction in pay from $2,208 per month to $99 per month so that his retirement pay and benefits from the BR Police Department would not be affected.
    Citizens wishing to speak for or against this ordinance are encouraged to attend the Council meeting next Tuesday, July 22nd, at 6 PM at the CHS Auditorium.