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Hancock City police officers and commanders have new contracts.
The agreement with patrol officers includes a 12 percent increase in the first year. City Manager Mary Babcock said the jump came after the city compared its compensation package with those offered by other law enforcement agencies in the area…
Officers will receive a five percent increase in the second year, and three percent in the third year of the agreement. A three-year contract with command officers was also approved.
With Mayor Paul LaBine, Mayor Pro-Tem Kurt Rickard and councilor Ron Blau absent, former mayor Lisa McKenzie chaired the meeting.
New Police Chief Tami Sleeman expressed concern about the number of marked vehicles the department has available. With one car awaiting repair parts, and a new one on delayed delivery, the fleet is down to just two.
Rukkila, Negro and Associates presented a glowing review of Hancock’s most recent audit, commending the city for excellent bookkeeping, paying down debt, and maintaining strong revenue.
Council members approved a memo of understanding with the Hancock School District about the proposed School Resource Officer position. Details about how the arrangement will work still need to be developed. Babcock explained that the officer will be employed by the city, but costs for work done at the school will be covered by the school district. The officer could also be available to assist the police department on city business, with those costs being borne by the city. She envisioned a 75-25 percent split, with the bulk of the work done at the school.
