The Culver Town Council members considered a recommendation to extend the stipend for Town Marshal Wayne Bean for overtime worked due to an officer shortage.
In February, Bean told the town council members that two officers put in their notice of resignation. One newly hired officer was expected to attend the Indiana Police Academy as required which left two officers to cover the town until two new officers can be hired. At the time, Bean was attempting to recruit part-time officers.
Town Manager Jonathan Leist reminded the town council members on Tuesday that they approved a change in pay for Bean in response to that information.
“We did change the pay for the position of the town marshal to include a stipend and that was $41.21 per hour for all hours worked over 84 hours in a two-week pay period,” commented Leist.
At the time, the expiration date was June 7. Leist asked that it be extended to Sept. 13. However, the town council unanimously passed a motion to extend that stipend through Dec. 31.
In an update on the hiring process, 11 applicants submitted paperwork for the open officer positions. The written test was given on May 16. Those who pass will be given a physical test and officials will complete background checks. Final interviews will be scheduled with a hiring recommendation to the town council at a later date.
The officer who was hired at the beginning of the year will attend the academy in October. In the meantime, two other part-time officers were hired in the past two months to help with coverage.