New Carlisle manager proposes replacing sixth deputy with sergeant; council asks for duties and cost details

City Manager Bill Hall told the New Carlisle City Council on June 2 that sheriff’s department leaders proposed adding a sergeant — rather than another deputy — to the city’s contract, a change Hall said would cost about 19% more than a top-paid deputy.

“It's essentially 19% more than what a topped out deputy makes,” Hall said, and he told council he had vetted the figures with the finance director and believed the city could accommodate the increase. Hall said he had discussed the idea with sheriff’s department leadership and learned that the sergeant would be selected under the sheriff’s internal processes and that the county would need to backfill the county position that sergeant vacates.

Council members asked for details about duties and whether a sergeant would patrol or serve primarily in a supervisory role. Deputy O’Brien said departments commonly use a mix of administrative and road duties for sergeants, noting they still “patrol, but they also have their supervisory duties on top of that as well.” Hall said the sheriff’s office indicated the sergeant would perform supervisory and administrative functions and would be able to respond to calls, but the exact duty mix would be governed by existing county contracts.

Council members expressed differing priorities: some favored a road-oriented sergeant who spends most time on patrol, others preferred adding a sixth deputy for more time-on-street coverage. Hall said he would work with the law director to draft an amendment or addendum to the current contract and return to council with suggested duties, responsibilities and comparable contracts for review at the next meeting.

The item was listed as upcoming legislation; no vote was taken on June 2. Council asked for more specific proposals and a written draft of duties and costs before any contract amendment is introduced for a vote.