Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $42,500 transfer to fund police-chief incentive ahead of new chief’s start
Summary
The council approved a $42,500 transfer from 9-1-1 dispatch accounts to a police chief incentive account to finalize the new chief’s compensation package and facilitate a January start. Councilors praised the candidate.
The Holyoke City Council voted to transfer $42,500 in fiscal year 2025 funds from emergency 9-1-1 dispatch accounts into a chief-of-police incentive line to finalize the selected candidate's compensation and allow the hire to proceed.
Councilor Devine made the motion to pass the first reading and the council advanced the measure on first and second readings the same night. The clerk recorded a unanimous roll call in favor of the transfer.
Councilors praised the mayor’s selection. Councilor Jardine said he had spent time with the candidate and called the pick a strong one: "I'm really excited about, mister Keenan becoming our new Police Chief," Jardine said, adding he had confidence in the candidate’s "vision for law and order, and reform." Councilor Bartley, who attended the candidate interview, said the selection could be a "game changer" for Holyoke.
Why it matters: Finalizing the compensation and incentive funding clears a fiscal and contractual step required for the appointment of a new chief. Council members said the hire could affect department direction and community relations.
Ending: The transfer passed unanimously; the council recorded its support for the selection and directed administration to complete hiring paperwork so the chief can begin service in early 2025.
