Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Woodstock board backs home‑rule request so part‑time officer can take civil‑service exam
Summary
The Town of Woodstock board voted June 2 to support state legislation (Senate Bill S9458 and Assembly Bill A.10704) that would allow part‑time officer Stephen Kobe Jackson to sit for the full‑time police officer civil‑service exam despite age‑eligibility limits in New York Civil Service Law §58‑1A. The supervisor was authorized to transmit certified copies of the resolution to state offices.
The Woodstock Town Board on June 2 approved a resolution urging the New York State Legislature to waive age‑eligibility restrictions so part‑time officer Stephen Kobe Jackson can take the competitive civil‑service examination for a full‑time police officer position.
“Officer Jackson has been continuously employed by the town of Woodstock as a part‑time police officer and wishes to take the competitive civil service examination to qualify for a full‑time police officer position,” the resolution reads. It cites New York State Senate Bill S9458 and Assembly Bill A.10704 as the legislative vehicles for that waiver.
Board members said the waiver would allow Officer Jackson to train and compete for a full‑time slot if he passes the exam. The resolution authorizes the town supervisor and/or town clerk or their designees to execute and forward the appropriate home‑rule request and certified copies to the New York State Senate, the Assembly and the Office of the Governor.
The motion was presented, seconded and approved by voice vote. The resolution does not record a roll‑call tally in the meeting record provided.
Why it matters: Municipal police staffing is governed in part by state civil‑service rules. A local home‑rule request asks the state legislature to create an exception that would let the town put an incumbent part‑time officer on the eligible list for appointment if he passes the examination.
Next steps: If the state bills advance, Officer Jackson would be permitted to sit for the exam and — contingent on score and placement — could be appointed to an available full‑time position by the Woodstock Police Department.
