Public Safety Committee Meeting

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 9:00 AM Council Chambers 1. NEW BUSINESS A. Updates from Police Department Chairman Boland asked Chief Lowry about the problem attracting and hiring public safety personnel. He explained that this is a problem across the country and throwing money at it is not the answer. Chief Lowry stated that he doesn't know the answer but it is a problem across the country. He explained that in 2020 many people just left the profession as opposed to moving agencies. He stated that he felt like it is important to be competitive but throwing money at it is not the answer. He stressed that he is not willing to lower the standards of the department just to hire officers. Chairman Boland stated that he wanted to kick around some ideas to try to help the situation. Chief Lowry explained that the last several officers that have been hired we have sent to the academy to the certified. He explained that after a candidate has been sponsored and sent to the academy they are required to give the city a two year commitment before they go to another agency. If they leave prior to that time, state law dictates that the hiring agency is then responsible to reimburse the original agency for the expense. Chief Lowry explained that the ability to buy out contracts could be beneficial but does come with risk. Chief Lowry made a proposal to the Committee that the department be allowed to buy out law enforcement contracts of potential officers in an amount not to exceed $24,000.00 not to exceed more than (two) such buy outs in any budgetary period. Chief Lowry explained that this would give them another tool in their recruitment efforts if they were to find a recent academy graduate they feel like it would be worth buying out their contract in order to bring them to Loganville. Motion made by Chairman Boland, Seconded by Committee Member Long. Voting Yea: Chairman Boland, Committee Member DuVall, Committee Member Long. Motion carried 3-0. B. Updates from Fire Department Chief Tim Johnson followed up with the Committee regarding the difficulties in recruitment. He explained that the fire department has lost seven fire fighters to other agencies but five returned to the City. He further stated that of course any money that is given to the department is always appreciated but his biggest concern is sustainability over time. He stated that he would hate for something to happen and then have to take money away. Chief Johnson stated that he is currently working on quotes for the purchase of two new firetrucks to be purchased using SPLOST funding. He also explained that he requested three new firefighters in the new budget and is excited to get these positions hired to help even out staffing between the three stations. 2. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Chairman Boland to adjourn, Seconded by Committee Member Long. Voting Yea: Chairman Boland, Committee Member DuVall, Committee Member Long. Motion carried 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 10:16am.