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Chief says hiring one or two officers would cut overtime; council signals support
Summary
Mabton's police chief told council that overtime rose substantially in 2025 and that hiring one or two officers would reduce overtime; council pledged to support recruitment, training reimbursement contracts, and standard equipment needs.
The police chief outlined staffing constraints and said overtime in the department was high during 2025, stating coverage needs make overtime unavoidable until additional officers are hired. The chief said tests for applicants are scheduled and that adding at least one officer would reduce overtime: "Once I get at least 1 more officer... the overtime for sure will go down," he said.
Council members expressed support for recruitment and discussed funding training and possible reimbursement contracts if the city pays academy costs. The council also agreed that police funding should be among the last lines cut if budget reductions are required. The chief said the department has five applicants and hopes at least one or two pass testing and backgrounds; council members asked staff to move quickly on hiring if candidates meet requirements.
