Council sets interim police structure and approves temporary pay adjustment for Captain Ronald Bell

Following an executive session, Elkins City Council approved a motion establishing an interim structure for the police department: until a new chief of police is appointed and assumes office, the mayor will directly exercise supervisory and administrative authority over the department under cited West Virginia code and city code provisions. The motion referenced West Virginia code sections 8-10-1 and 8-14-1 and city code 34.02 as the statutory basis for mayoral authority.

The council also approved a temporary adjustment to the base salary of Captain Ronald Bell effective until a new chief assumes office. The motion was seconded and carried on voice vote. These actions follow council consultation with legal counsel in executive session; no additional action was taken in the closed session, and the council returned to take the interim-structure and pay actions in open session.