Florence board accepts dispatcher resignation, hires two police staff and approves academy enrollment

The Florence Mayor and Board accepted the resignation of Dispatcher Taylor Busby effective Jan. 6, 2026, and approved two hires to fill police-department vacancies.

A motion made in executive session by Alderman John Banks and seconded by Alderman Brian Grantham "to accept the resignation of Dispatcher Taylor Busby effective January 6, 2026" carried with each alderman recorded as voting Aye. On recommendation of Police Chief Brad Burns, the board voted to hire Luz Elena Macias as a full-time dispatcher at $16.00 per hour, starting Jan. 7, 2026, with a six-month probationary period pending a background check and drug and alcohol testing; the motion was made by Alderman Banks and seconded by Alderman Martin and passed unanimously.

The board also voted, on Chief Burns' recommendation, to hire Julious Peyton Warren as a full-time police officer at $21.06 per hour starting Jan. 7, 2026, with a six-month probationary period and the same background and testing contingencies. Alderman Brent Sistrunk moved the hire, seconded by Alderman Martin; roll-call votes recorded each alderman as voting Aye.

Separately, the board authorized Chief Burns, at his discretion, to send Officer Warren to the first available police officer training academy and directed the city to pay the registration fee and allowable related costs. The motion was made by Alderman Kyle Martin and seconded by Alderman Brent Sistrunk and passed by recorded Aye votes.

The board returned to open session at 7:05 p.m. and adjourned the meeting. The personnel actions were recorded during the executive session as motions and roll-call votes.