Cloverdale Town Council President, Police Department set to meet about retention

Frustrated.

That is how Cloverdale Town Council President Brandon Tancak summed up his feelings after Tuesday night's council meeting.

The reason?

Tancak and council learned the Cloverdale Police Department is losing two more officers to another agency and retirement, according to Town Marshal Adam Hull. 

Tancak told council that he, Hull and Cloverdale Clerk-Treasurer Kelly Maners will be meeting soon to come up with a plan when it comes to the police department moving forward.

"We will do what we think is best," Tancak told fellow council members. 

Council vice president Brice Howell reminded council that in the past the city has done as good as it can with coverage when there have been changes in staff.

After the meeting, however, Tancak shared with The Putnam County Post that he is "frustrated" with the departures. 

"We put a lot of time and money into our police department and our officers. Focusing on retention is top priority and with that comes paying them more money if we can. They will be less likely to leave Cloverdale for a county position or a different city or town," Tancak told The Putnam County Post. 

Tancak said the departures will leave Cloverdale with four full time officers and that he is working with Hull on a couple different scenarios to ensure coverage. 

"Our adjustments won't be noticeable to the public. We will still depend on reserves to help fill the void," Tancak said. 

As Cloverdale officials begin working on next year's budget soon, Tancak is optimistic the town can offer its officers more money with less headcount. He admits he hopes that will stop officers from leaving once they finish their probation period and obtain their certifications, if needed. 

"We are looking to break that cycle, and this is a step in the right direction if we can make it happen for them," Tancak said.