Westville Council adopts salary ordinance moving part-time police pay to general fund, adjusts police pay bands

The Westville Town Council voted 5-0 to adopt Ordinance 20263 on the first reading and, by suspending the rules, to enact it immediately. The ordinance changes where part-time police officers are paid from the public safety fund to the town’s general fund, establishes specific pay lines for police positions, and shifts approval of hiring for a first-class deputy to the police safety board.

The move follows a police department presentation that noted staffing and pay-band issues. The police department head said the town currently has a thin split between entry probationary pay and the pay for seasoned deputies, and described a plan to “get maybe three or four positions in between that” so officers with mid-level experience are paid above probationary steps but below long-tenure deputies while they complete required training.

Ordinance language included several salary figures: a probationary deputy first-year rate is listed in the ordinance at $44,000; part-time police officers are shown with an hourly rate range of $20 to $40; crossing guards are capped at $3,700 per year; the ordinance text lists effective salaries for chief and deputy positions and states the ordinance will be in full force and effect on April 5, 2026.

Albert Bochess moved to approve the ordinance on first reading and to suspend the rules for immediate adoption; Mrs. Deal seconded the motions. Roll-call votes recorded Mrs. Porski, Mr. McMahon, Mr. Watkins, Mrs. Deal and Albert Bochess all voting in favor, and the measures passed 5-0.

Councilmembers said staff will work on ordinance language and budget checks before the vote. The police department head told the council he would refine cost estimates and work with finance staff to ensure the budget can absorb the new pay bands. The ordinance also amends hiring procedures to allow the police safety board to approve a recommended first-class deputy after one year of service and recommendation by the marshal.

The ordinance text includes standard severability and repeal clauses. With the vote completed, the council moved on to other business and adjourned the meeting.