Verndale City Council: Wage increase approved to attract and retain officers
by Trinity Gruenberg
The Verndale City Council held its regular meeting on August 9.
Officer Resigns
Police Chief Cory Carr shared that Officer Tyler Savaloja has resigned from the police department. He wished to stay part-time.
Carr asked if they could increase officer wages to $21.17 to make it more appealing to potential new officers and to remain competitive to help retain them. Savaloja took a position with the county sheriff’s office.
Carr takes care of most of the duties for the school resource officer position. He hopes for more interaction with the students this year as the pandemic put a damper on that last year.
Approved the wage increase and the resignation of Savaloja.
Tobacco Ordinance
The proposed tobacco ordinance clarified flavored products for vaping. One gas station is currently selling these products due to the lack of an ordinance. Carr added these products can still be purchased in neighboring towns.
The sheriff’s office does conduct checks and sting operations to ensure that tobacco products are not being sold to minors. . .