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Clinton council work session flags police recruitment challenges, canine replacement and fire equipment needs
Summary
At a April 14 work session, Clinton public safety leaders told councilors the police department is experiencing turnover and difficulty recruiting seasoned officers, the canine unit recently retired and needs donor support for a replacement, and the fire department is saving for a ladder truck and must buy Phase II–compliant radios.
Police and fire leaders told the Clinton City Council during an April 14 work session that staffing and equipment demands will shape the city’s coming budget decisions.
Police Chief Shawn Stoker reported the department has seen turnover in recent years and is finding it difficult to attract seasoned officers to fill vacancies. Stoker said the department’s canine officer recently retired and the department is accepting donations to help cover replacement costs. He also said the department needs new equipment to meet state requirements.
Fire Chief Jason Poulsen outlined the Fire Department’s priorities in the tentative budget, including continuing to set aside funds for a future ladder truck and purchasing Phase II–compliant radios for emergency communications.
City staff and councilors discussed these needs in individual, department-by-department budget reviews rather than in a single panel presentation. No formal votes were recorded at the session; staffing and equipment requests will feed into the next budget drafts and follow the city’s usual review process.
The work session record notes that a full recording of the meeting is not available because of technical difficulties; the city said tentative budget detail can be provided on request.
