Kirklin council appoints Steve Jones as town marshal, sets $33/hour probationary pay

The Kirklin Town Council voted to appoint Steve Jones as town marshal and set a probationary pay rate of $33 per hour for six months, with a planned review afterward. The pay motion was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote; the council later approved Jones' nomination by voice vote as well.

Council members said choosing between two qualified candidates was difficult. "This was a very very hard decision to make," one council member said, noting both applicants' families and experience. Members referenced interview notes indicating both candidates had said they would accept between $33 and $35 per hour.

Council discussion focused on starting pay, a six‑month probationary period and budget constraints. Several members suggested beginning at a slightly lower hourly rate to leave room for raises as the marshal proves capable, and to avoid reworking the town budget immediately. Members also discussed whether the marshal position should be restored to full‑time in a future budget cycle; past full‑time marshals (named in discussion as John and Byron) were cited for their on‑street presence.

The council also noted timing constraints: the presiding official said they would be unavailable to swear in a new marshal between June 10 and June 24, so the council considered whether to finalize pay before that absence or defer some items to a subsequent meeting.

Next steps: the council will proceed with onboarding Steve Jones under the approved terms and will review compensation as described in the motion. The transcript does not specify a vote tally for either action.