Police Want Three New Hires to Stay

Members of the went to the council meeting Monday because they are worried one of the recently hired officers could be laid off.

Police Chief Randy Ciocco explained that amendments made to the department's table of organization, which was , sets the number of police personnel at 20. He said since , the department currently has 21 members.

During the council meeting Monday night, Lt. Gregg Hackbarth asked government officials about the status of the three newest officers and if any would be laid off.

Council President Fred Goetz told him there were ongoing discussions surrounding that issue that would continue in closed session that night since it related to personnel.

Members of the police department stayed for the closed portion of the meeting. Ciocco later told Patch, "We basically presented our case," explaining that the department wants to keep the three newest officers.

"I think we're right about where we should be right now," Ciocco said.

According to Ciocco and Goetz no decision regarding the officers has been made.

Goetz explained, after the meeting, that "there is an ongoing prospective personnel change ... which may solve the problem without having to take any action as far as an ordinance and/or a revision." He couldn't discuss the possible change since it's a personnel item.

"There is no planned action as to restructuring of the [police table of organization] ordinance, as we are addressing the issue through said personnel change," Goetz said.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 15.