Village approves part-time hire as council weighs police staffing and grants

The Village of East Canton council voted to appoint Robert Leon Dortch as a part-time police officer and discussed ongoing staffing shortages, grant opportunities and equipment purchases for the police department.

In a third reading and roll-call vote during the meeting, council passed Ordinance 2025-16 to appoint Robert Leon Dortch as a part-time officer at $20 per hour, subject to passing required pre-employment checks and a one-year probationary period. The ordinance was described during the reading as necessary for the village’s public safety.

Chief Derek Contos told council members the department was actively recruiting and that coverage — particularly for overnight and midnight shifts — had been “spotty.” He said dispatch will call him when shifts are uncovered and the department coordinates with the county sheriff or neighboring departments when needed. The chief said a full-time officer expected to return next week would restore stability to a midnight shift that had been partly staffed by part-timers.

The chief also reported work on grant applications: staff had begun the COPS grant process, and he said the state’s recent spending bill should reopen funding opportunities, including the JAG (Justice Assistance Grant) program, which could help the village purchase equipment. He also announced a build date for a new police cruiser this month, with retrofitting expected in July.

The council read the ordinance by title and adopted it in the meeting; members indicated the hire is contingent on standard checks and the part-time employee’s compliance with department policies. No disciplinary or hiring irregularities were raised during the vote.