Hartville Council hears police department update from interim chief

The Repository
·2 min read

Hartville Village Council

Monday meeting

KEY ACTION: Interim Police Chief Kevin Moore gave council a report on staffing and overtime numbers.

DISCUSSION: Moore said the department has eight full-time members with a part-time officer in training. Among the full-time staff, Moore said, two officers are out on medical related leave and another is on vacation. He said so far in 2023, he has logged 83.81 hours of overtime and sergeants and officers combined have logged 693 hours of overtime. “They are starting to get worn out and that is a big concern,” Moore said, adding that the department has recently interviewed three part-time candidates, two of which are simultaneously interviewing at other area departments. He said hiring and retention in general has become difficult with all departments, illustrated in part by Stark State College canceling its most recent police academy due to low numbers of applicants. Moreover, Moore said, most potential hires are seeking full-time employment with part-time ranks limited to new officers gaining experience needed for full-time work and previously retired officers.

OTHER ACTION:

  • Discussed how to appropriate the remainder of the village’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Council approved using a portion of the funds to replace 15 decorative light poles at its Jan. 23 meeting. Councilman Tim Hayden suggested the funds be used to update village software, Councilman Steve Reisch said it should be used for paving and Councilman Frank Gant asked if the funds could be used toward the build-out of a planned police department facility. Council made no decision at the meeting.

  • Announced the village’s Memorial Day observance at 10 a.m. May 27 at Hartville Memorial Park, 355 Park Lane Drive SW.

UP NEXT: Meets at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Hartville Village Hall, 202 W. Maple St. and online at www.facebook.com/VillageofHartville.

Brian Lisik

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Hartville Council hears police department update from interim chief