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Villa Park board gives consensus to pursue budget amendment to allow early hiring of two officers
Summary
Trustees gave consensus and then voted to place a budget amendment on the July 27 agenda enabling the police department to hire two officers early to avoid staffing gaps from impending retirements; the police chief said academy and field training timelines make early recruitment time-sensitive.
Trustees on July 13 gave the Village Manager and Police Chief a consensus and then approved a motion to place a budget amendment on the next stated meeting agenda so the Police and Fire Commission can proceed with hiring two officers ahead of planned retirements.
Chief Todd Kubish told the board that two retirements are pending and that hiring now — including academy and field‑training time — reduces overtime and coverage gaps. "If we hire them this upcoming week...by the time they were trained and ready these other people would already be gone," the chief said, explaining the department's desire to prepare recruits for the academy cycle and the 10‑ to 11‑month training period.
Trustees discussed whether the budget line exists and whether an amendment is required. Finance director Micah and counsel clarified that if funds are not already budgeted for 2026 an amendment is required and can be placed on the July 27 meeting agenda; trustees approved a motion to add the amendment item to that agenda by roll call.
Trustees and the chief acknowledged the hiring process includes conditional offers, medical and psychological screening and background checks, and noted timing remains tight for the upcoming academy.
Next steps: staff will prepare a proposed budget amendment and place it on July 27's agenda; the board discussed using a special meeting if timelines require faster action.
