Marshal outlines deputy-hiring plan; council schedules executive session and combined interviews

The town marshal told the Kingsford Heights Town Council on Sept. 8 that the police department received more than 1,000 views on a recruitment post and "over 10" applicant responses for deputy-marshal positions. He said background checks are in progress and the department plans interviews; once complete, the marshal said he will present his top candidate to the council.

Council members discussed conducting a job-performance evaluation of the town marshal in executive session and whether that executive session must be posted under the statutory categories for personnel matters. The council determined that an executive session for an employee review was an appropriate category and scheduled a meeting to combine candidate interviews and the performance review for Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 3:30 p.m.

The marshal said the department will prepare a ranked hiring list and that council input is welcome during the hiring process. "Upon completion, we will present our best choice that we intend to hire for the position of deputy marshals to the council," the marshal said.

Council members noted they are still evaluating whether they can afford a full-time officer and agreed staff would present additional budget information at the next meeting. The council did not make a hiring decision on Sept. 8; it set the Sept. 17 meeting for interviews and the evaluation.

The marshal encouraged councilmembers to visit or call the department and said he is available at the listed department address for conversations about candidates or duties.