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Canton hires part‑time officer, debates filling full‑time vacancy amid budget concerns
Summary
The commission approved hiring Ryan Bates as a part‑time police officer and heard extended discussion about overtime, certification timelines and whether to advertise the full‑time vacancy. Commissioners differed on whether to delay hiring or require certified applicants only; the transcript does not record a separate roll‑call vote to advertise.
The Canton City Commission approved hiring Ryan Bates as a part‑time police officer at $31.17 per hour and held an extended discussion about how to handle the full‑time vacancy he left.
Police staff explained the part‑time roster’s current status — two part‑time officers had been on the roster but availability has varied — and said Bates would be available to help during a transition period. Staff described part‑timers as first available fill‑ins to reduce overtime. The department said hiring and training for full‑time positions can take about eight months from recruitment through academy and certification.
Commissioners asked how much overtime the department had used and how school‑reimbursement for a school resource officer (SRO) factors into the budget. Staff provided a rough estimate that the district reimburses about 84 hours per pay period for the SRO during the school year and offered a ballpark annual figure they characterized as a rough estimate (~$45,000 reimbursed for the school portion). Commissioners and the public expressed differing views about whether to delay advertising the full‑time position, list it as certified‑only to narrow applicants, or not fill it to reduce costs. The transcript does not include a recorded roll call approving or rejecting advertising the full‑time vacancy; commissioners ultimately approved the recommended part‑time hire.
What’s next: the part‑time hire was approved; staff will proceed with onboarding. The commission flagged the advertising question for further direction, with options to restrict listings to certified applicants or delay hiring.
