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Stockbridge council accepts Police Chief Matthew Bartus's resignation and names Sgt. Joshua Howe interim chief
Summary
At a special meeting Aug. 29, 2025, the Village of Stockbridge Council unanimously accepted Police Chief Matthew Bartus's resignation, effective that day, and appointed Sergeant Joshua Howe as interim chief; both actions passed by roll call with one member absent.
The Village of Stockbridge Council unanimously accepted the resignation of Police Chief Matthew Bartus and appointed Sergeant Joshua Howe as interim chief at a special meeting on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025.
President Ogden moved to acknowledge and accept Chief Matthew Bartus's resignation, effective Aug. 29, 2025, and to provide contracted payouts contingent on return of department equipment and completion of exit procedures. The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Fairbotham, Good, Howlett, Cattel, Morehouse and Ogden voted aye; Powers-Taylor was absent.
Following the acceptance, President Ogden moved, supported by Cattel, to appoint Sergeant Joshua Howe as Interim Chief of Police. The council recorded the same unanimous aye roster with Powers-Taylor absent and the appointment passed.
There were no public comments recorded during the meeting. The council adjourned at 9:14 A.M. on a motion by Howlett, supported by Fairbotham. The minutes for the special meeting are signed by Heather Armstrong, Village Manager.
The actions taken are personnel decisions recorded in the council minutes; the minutes do not specify additional operational details such as the interim chief's term length, start date beyond the appointment motion, or whether a recruitment process will follow.
