Council discusses new sergeant position; members seek written job rationale and overtime limits

The Village Council discussed establishing a sergeant position in the police department and directed staff to prepare a formal job description and draft legislation after clarifying pay, overtime controls and budget transfers.

Why it matters: Council members said a designated supervisor on shifts would provide an immediate on‑scene decision maker and relieve the chief during incidents. At the same time, they expressed concern that converting a position to salary could reduce officers’ ability to earn overtime and that any overtime must be monitored.

Discussion focused on three points: who would accept a salaried sergeant post, how overtime will be reviewed, and where to budget the position. Council members said many officers decline salaried roles because those positions can mean fewer overtime opportunities. Chief Adam (Chief of Police) told the council the proposed starting rate for the sergeant would be $33.10 an hour; council members asked staff to prepare legislation for the next meeting if members are comfortable with that figure.

Council members also discussed operational details: promoted sergeants would attend first‑line supervisor training, could act as on‑duty relief for the chief, and would be expected to document unusual overtime so supervisors could judge whether it was warranted. The council discussed options to cap daily overtime review thresholds (e.g., supervisors to question overtime beyond one hour per day or a proposed 10‑hour cap) and to permit flex time in lieu of some overtime where appropriate.

Budget implications: staff noted the budget currently shows one sergeant position; creating a second will require moving money between lines. Council asked staff to identify where funds can be shifted before formal legislation is introduced.

Outcome: Council gave direction to draft legislation and job materials; no vote was taken at the meeting.