Sun Valley council okays payment for officer training; discussion about hiring certified officers

Treasurer Angela Orr told the Council there was a last-minute request for a newly hired police officer to take a check with him to POST to pay for items while he is there. Council Member Michelle Griffith moved to approve the payment as outlined in the packet, seconded by Council President Keith Saks. A roll call vote was unanimous in favor and the Mayor declared the motion approved.

Following the vote, Council President Keith Saks asked whether the Council should prioritize hiring officers who are already certified. Mayor Peter Hendricks said the Council had considered that preference but also looked at candidates who had local connections to the Valley. Police Chief Walt Femling said, "in the last round of hiring, no candidates were certified," and stated the department expects the next hire will have certification.

The minutes record approval of the one-time training payment; no dollar amount for the payment is specified in the meeting text beyond the description that the officer would carry a check to POST.