Centerville addressing police staffing shortage

Centerville council learned about what will hopefully be a short-term police personnel shortage and approved an orange shirt temporarily being placed on the town’s mascot.

Those were two of the discussion topics at council’s Aug. 27 work session. 

Police Chief Ed Buchholz said Austin Hines, whose hiring was announced in June, was to start Indiana’s law enforcement academy in recent days. However, Hines notified Buchholz that he couldn’t go because some life-changing events prompted a move out of state. 

Hines is remaining with CPD for the short term to cover for an officer whose family is facing a health challenge. 

Buchholz said he’s been talking with a potential hire currently working for another Indiana agency about Hines’ position.  

That candidate had discussed a prior opening with Buchholz and is academy trained, which would be helpful because recent hire Jason Clouse is headed to the academy soon. 

And, another CPD officer currently serving in the National Guard might need a temporary leave for additional training obligations for several weeks.

Fortunately, Buchholz said Brad Smoker, who formerly worked for CPD, expressed interest in serving as a reserve or part-time CPD officer when needed. He’ll keep his full-time role at Indiana University East. Council approved Buchholz paying Smoker when needed.   

Economic development

Valerie Shaffer, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County president, asked council to renew its four-year agreement and contribute half of its Economic Development Income Tax ($79,689) toward pooled county resources. 

In the past three and a half years, Shaffer said EDC has secured $534 million in business investments, attracted 445 new jobs and retained 366 that could have left. 

EDC’s role now includes quality of life efforts such as downtown revitalization and housing.  Shaffer said EDC would assist Centerville with comprehensive planning if requested.

Council President Dan Wandersee said council supported the contract and will vote at its 7 p.m. Sept. 10 meeting.    

In other business

• Centerville-Abington Community Schools asked the town if the bulldog sculpture in Maplewood Park could wear an orange shirt like grades 5-8 will on Oct. 16. Unity Day activities aim to prevent bullying and suicide. Town Manager Kevin Slick said if an orange shirt is provided, town employees would dress the dog. 
• Council opened two bids to demolish a garage at 212 E. Walnut. Two Richmond companies were $5 apart. B & D Construction sought $3,995 and Cox Excavating bid $4,000. Town attorney Ed Martin will review them before council votes. 
• Centerville also received bids to replace town hall’s windows to discuss Sept. 10.  
• Council approved Centerville Senior High School’s homecoming parade at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, and fireworks following the game. Members also will allow Centerville Youth League to collect donations at U.S. 40 and Morton Avenue between 4-7 that night. Adults will stand in the road and players will be on the sidewalk with signs. 
• CYL’s Jennifer Jennings said one of its three Dumpster bottoms has rusted out and a second one is nearly that bad. She asked for council’s contribution. Wandersee said council would review prices.