Town marshal urges hiring an academy‑trained deputy after paid officer resigns

The Sunman Town Council heard a town marshal report about department staffing needs after the paid resignation of officer Zach Powell. The marshal said he is pursuing candidates who completed a police academy and wants to convert the open slot into a part‑time deputy marshal role to raise pay and attract experienced applicants.

The recommendation, presented during the marshal’s activity report, called for reducing hours to about 20 per week so the town could offer a higher hourly rate and compete for retired academy‑trained officers interested in part‑time work. "I think an academy officer is going to do me better out here on the road than a 40‑hour pre‑basic officer," the marshal said during his report.

Council members discussed training budgets and asked staff to add a police-training purchase to the April agenda. One council member recommended an online training program that costs roughly $99 per officer and suggested using existing training funds.

During the discussion the marshal also reviewed recent calls and equipment maintenance, reported vehicle repairs, and thanked utility staff for prompt storm‑response work. The council did not record a formal vote on a hiring plan during the meeting; the marshal said he and staff would bring a proposed job description and any ordinance changes back to the council for action.

The council took no final personnel action during the session; next steps noted by members were to place hiring details and any stipend or hours changes on a future agenda.