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Council approves adding one full‑time police officer to department
Summary
Using a staffing and cost spreadsheet, council approved adding one full‑time officer to the Kenna City Police Department to increase coverage and succession planning; council also discussed vehicle options and timing of budget adjustments.
The council voted to add a full‑time police officer after reviewing a staffing and cost spreadsheet presented by the mayor. The staff analysis compared existing part‑time hours to hiring a full‑time officer, estimated benefits at roughly 50% of salary, and showed vehicle‑purchase options for equipping the position.
Council member (speaker 9) urged support for the hire, saying the move will help retention and strengthen the department: "I'm in support of this a 110%," he said. After discussion about whether a budget amendment would be necessary immediately, councilors agreed to proceed without a tax increase and to monitor the budget in January or February. Speaker 9 moved to approve adding the full‑time position and speaker 1 seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call. Staff will monitor year‑to‑date budget impacts and report back during the annual budget review cycle.
