Chief Wilson: public-safety sales tax hiring under way; first tax revenue check arrives
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Summary
Raymore Police have begun hiring using public‑safety sales tax funds; Chief Wilson reported four conditional offers and one lateral hire with a POST license and named Officer Parker Pruitt as the new school/community youth officer. City staff also reported receiving the first state payment tied to the sales tax: $13,000.
Raymore Police Chief Wilson told the City Council on Nov. 10 that the department and Human Resources have been conducting background checks, drug screens and other hiring steps since April under the public‑safety sales tax program.
"We've made 4 conditional offers to individuals that do not have a POST license," Chief Wilson said, and the department has hired one individual who already held a POST license. He added that detective and sergeant selection processes are underway and that Officer Parker Pruitt will be the new school/community youth outreach officer.
Following the police report, City staff announced receipt of the first revenue tied to the public‑safety sales tax: a single payment from the State of Missouri for $13,000. City staff said that the revenue will help cover the expenses associated with upcoming hires funded by the new tax.
Council members asked whether new hires could be ceremonially introduced at a future meeting once POST‑licensed officers are available; Chief Wilson said he would try to arrange introductions for the officer with a POST license. The chief also reminded council of an upcoming department event: "Shop with a Cop" is scheduled for Dec. 17 at 6 p.m., with staff‑donated funds supporting the activity.
The council did not take formal action on hiring at the Nov. 10 meeting; the report provided an operational update and confirmed initial sales‑tax revenue receipt.