In a recent council meeting, the town of Stevensville approved a significant budgetary motion aimed at reversing and reimbursing funds for the fiscal year 2023-2024. The motion, which passed unanimously with a vote of 4-0, reflects the council's commitment to financial accountability and resource allocation.

The meeting also featured a detailed discussion regarding a new police officer contract with the Stevensville Police Department. The contract, which is set for three years, includes a notable change: the start date for the contract will now align with the completion of the police academy, rather than the officer's hiring date. This adjustment aims to mitigate the town's financial losses associated with officers who leave shortly after their training.

Chief Bo and attorney Greg Overstreet collaborated to draft the contract, which stipulates that if an officer does not fulfill their three-year commitment, they will be required to reimburse the town for training costs on a prorated basis. For instance, if an officer leaves after a year and a half, they would owe approximately half of the training expenses, which are estimated to be around $85,000 per officer.

Council members expressed their support for the contract, emphasizing its potential to reduce turnover and retain trained officers. The council also clarified that all current officers would need to sign the new contract, ensuring uniformity in the department's agreements.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of the contract in addressing the ongoing challenge of officer retention, as well as the financial implications for the town. The council's proactive approach aims to create a more stable and effective police force while safeguarding taxpayer investments in law enforcement training.