Woodburn board approves posting for full-time police officer; chief urged combined posting if interest is low

The Woodburn Board agreed to post a full-time police officer opening and to proceed with hiring steps for 2026, while the police chief said the town should be prepared to accept part-time applicants if full-time interest is limited. The board instructed staff to move forward with the posting immediately.

Chief (transcript speaker labeled "Chief") told the board that last time the town received about five applications for the full-time job and recommended advertising for “full time and or part time” so the town could collect all applicants and then decide, saying, “If we put full time and or part time, we can collect them all and then go from there and see what we get.” The board discussed whether part-time positions would change benefit eligibility.

The Chair noted the starting salary had been confirmed for 2026 and that retirement participation would follow Indiana Public Retirement System eligibility; if an applicant is not eligible through the state system, the board discussed providing a $4.57 alternative contribution as described in the packet. After the discussion, the board decided to advertise for the full-time position now and to re-advertise for part-time only if needed.

The board asked staff to post the opening as soon as possible; the Chief said the posting could go out the next day. No final hire was made at the meeting; the posting and application collection were the next steps.