Lawrence City commission approves four hiring actions for Williams Police Department

At a special meeting, the Lawrence City commission approved four personnel actions to move candidates forward in the Williams Police Department hiring process.

Lieutenant Scott Evans of the Williams Police Department asked the commission to "establish an eligible eligibility list" for candidates who pass background checks and to move those candidates to the next phase of hiring, including medical and psychological examinations. The commission voted to approve that request unanimously after a motion and second.

The commission then approved removing 12 applicants the department had deemed unacceptable. There was no discussion recorded before the motion to remove those candidates was moved, seconded and approved.

Members also approved a conditional offer of employment to one applicant who met stated character requirements, again with a unanimous vote and no recorded debate.

Finally, the commission approved a request that one applicant become a probationary officer contingent on passing an updated background check and meeting PERS 1977 fund requirements. Lieutenant Evans told members that, if the applicant passes those checks and satisfies PERS requirements, the appointment would be immediate. That motion also passed unanimously.

Lieutenant Evans relayed remarks from the department chief, who "thanked the board for having this special meeting so we can get... a turn on the proposal higher before the first of the year." The commission noted two citizens in the gallery but received no public comments.

The presiding member reminded attendees that the next meeting is scheduled for 12/08/2025 (election night). The meeting adjourned at 18:05.