City of Medina discusses police program, renovations during meeting
MEDINA, Tenn. — One local city had their monthly meeting to vote on potential new renovations and a program for local law enforcement.
The City of Medina’s mayor and aldermen met Monday evening to approve renovations for one park and a lateral program for police officers.
“The need for it is pickle ball courts, which is very popular here lately. So we’re going to build some of those out there on Middle School Road. As well as an all exclusive playground that’s for children with disabilities and such. So I think it’s very beneficial to everyone in the area,” said Medina Mayor Scottie Betts.
Lions Club was approved as the bid for the park on Middle School Road. This was made possible with a grant the City of Medina received in the past and with a generous donation from Lions Club. In Monday’s meeting, there was also discussion on various ways to fill jobs within the Medina Police Department.
“We proposed a lateral transfer program, financial bonus and bonus for current employees. We’re budgeted for 12 officers here in Medina and right now we have four open positions here and we’re beginning the hiring process here,” said Phillip Kemper, interim chief of police for Medina.
This program proposal was approved and will go into effective immediately. Officials say they want to attract experienced officers that would be a good fit for the Medina area.
“Hiring law enforcement officers everywhere is difficult and so agencies have been offering bonuses and adjusting benefits and trying to get there pay scales and things to that they can attract officers,” said Chief Kemper.
This program will also offer current officers a deal of their own. As of now, officers make between $22 to $24 depending on their position.
“We wanted to give our current officers a one time financial bonus. As I said we’re also working on other benefits such as adjusting our pay scale and they’re going to revisit our longevity program,” said Chief Kemper.
The bonus for current officers will appear on the next pay period as a one time bonus and for the lateral program. Chief Kemper provides a breakdown.
“The way its broken down: officers that have 10 years or more of service we would give $4,000 as a sign on bonus. Officers with six to nine years of service we would give $3,000 as a sign on bonus. Three to five years we would give $2,000 as a sign on bonus and then officers with one to two years of service would receive $1,000 as a sign on bonus,” said Chief Kemper.
Medina Police Department is currently hiring, for more information call or visit their city hall for an application.
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