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Police, election issues before Wellsburg Council

POLICE, ELECTION DISCUSSED — Wellsburg Council discussed efforts, Tuesday, to attract and retain officers for the city’s police department and matters related to the city’s upcoming election. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Wellsburg Council discussed issues affecting the city’s ability to attract and retain officers for the city’s police department and matters related to its upcoming election during its meeting Tuesday.

Council voted 4-2 to place a measure calling for the elimination of the city’s civil service commission on ballots in this year’s election.

The move would eliminate the requirement that applicants for police officer positions pass an examination administered through the board.

Supporting the move were 3rd Ward Councilmen Randy Fletcher and Tom Gaudio, 2nd Ward Councilman Geno Capp and 1st Ward Councilman Jack Kins.

Opposing it were 4th Ward Councilmen Charlie Harris and Fred Marino.

First Ward Councilman Jerry Nichols and 2nd Ward Councilman Scott Caldwell didn’t attend the meeting.

Fletcher said eliminating the exam would save the city about $1,100 each time the test is administered. He noted, because the test is changed with each administration, the city must order a new set of tests each time.

Harris said hiring applicants who pass the exam helps to ensure there are qualified officers in the department. He said the city could better attract applicants by raising officers’ pay.

Harris noted City Police Capt. Micah Knisley has proposed that can be done by employing fewer full-time officers and supplementing them with part-time officers, usually from other departments, who are certified and require no preliminary training.

Fletcher disagreed, saying full-time officers have proven to be more reliable. He and other council members have questioned how the raises will be funded.

Salaries for the city’s current officers are between $42,000 and $48,000, depending on experience.

But many newer officers have left the department in recent years for larger law enforcement agencies or other job opportunities, though there also have been a few retirements.

Fletcher said many would-be applicants aren’t willing to take the civil service exam.

Developed by the International Public Management Association for Human Resources, the test includes 100 questions with multiple choice answers.

It’s said to measure applicants’ ability to learn and apply information, observe and remember details and follow directions and their judgment and problem-solving and verbal skills.

Following hiring, new officers must undergo 16 weeks of law enforcement training through the West Virginia State Police Academy or the newer Fairmont State University Police Training Academy.

Police Chief Mike Allman said earlier that of recent applicants who have taken the test, some pass and some do not.

In recent years, the city has lowered the passing score for applicants for police positions from 65% to 50%.

City Manager Steve Maguschak, a former Mingo Junction police chief, said the passing score for most departments in the state is 70%.

On Tuesday, Harris reiterated his desire to raise the salary for the city’s police chief, expressing concern that it will deter qualified candidates from running for the elected office.

Harris, who has expressed satisfaction with Allman’s performance, noted his salary is less than the officers under him and those of other city department heads.

He suggested raising it from $30,000 to $50,000 but concerns again were raised about funding it and his motion at a previous meeting failed to receive support.

The police chief is among offices up in this year’s city elections.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Mayor Dan Dudley announced he plans to seek a second term in the office.

In addition to police chief and mayor, one council seat representing each of the city’s four wards will be up for election.

The filing fees for candidates in the election are: $20 for council seats, $30 for mayor and $40 for police chief. Individuals may file at Wellsburg City Hall between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday through Jan. 25.

City Clerk Mikeal Maguschak said he’s seeking volunteers to serve as ballot commissioners and poll workers in the elections.

Applications can be obtained at City Hall or through the City of Wellsburg Facebook page.

The city’s general election will be held June 10. A city ordinance allows council to cancel an April primary election if there are no more than two candidates for any race.

In related business, Fletcher had suggested reducing the number of polling sites to one to reduce the cost for the elections.

Following the meeting, Fletcher said his proposal involved the Wellsburg Banquet Hall on 12th Street because it’s easily accessible and has adequate space for all voters.

City Solicitor Ryan Weld said in order to eliminate polling places, council must hold a public hearing on whether that may be decided through an election.

He said under the city’s charter, if council hears from one opponent, the issue can’t be placed on ballots.

Harris advised he’s opposed to removing polling sites because he believes it would be inconvenient for older voters.

Weld suggested his opposition rendered the matter moot, and there was no more discussion.

Also on Tuesday, council agreed to abandon a portion of Locust Street and a portion of an alley in Lucy Tarr’s addition at the request of a resident.

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