By Kathy Chaffin
kchaffin@salisburypost.com
CLEVELAND ó Town commissioners voted Monday night to authorize Police Chief David Allen to hire a fifth full-time police officer.
Allen, who has served as the town’s police chief for nine years, said the job is posted at Town Hall. He said he hopes to have someone hired by August.
The new position was included in the 2008-2009 fiscal year budget adopted at a June 25 special meeting of the town board. The budget called for a 2-cent tax increase, raising the town’s tax rate from 19 cents per $100 valuation to 21 cents.
Though the town presently rotates using seven part-time officers to maintain coverage, Allen said having another full-time position should enhance the Police Department’s presence in the town. “It’s better when (townspeople) are familiar with the officers, and the officers are familiar with the people,” he said.
Also at Monday’s meeting, commissioners set a public hearing for their next regular meeting on Aug. 11 on a proposed site plan submitted by ATC Leasing Co. for erection of a fence. The hearing is required due to the property being located within the town’s Thoroughfare Corridor Overlay District.
ATC Leasing delivers Freightliner trucks to buyers.