Although a lawsuit remains pending against the City of Smithville over the termination of former Police Chief Randy Caplinger, the aldermen Monday night will consider granting approval to advertise for a new police chief.
The Smithville Mayor and Board of Aldermen will meet in regular monthly session Monday night, September 14 at 6:00 p.m. at city hall.
Upon the recommendation of Mayor Jimmy Poss, the aldermen voted 3-2 in August to advertise seeking resumes from persons interested in becoming the city’s next police chief. Aldermen Danny Washer, Jason Murphy, and Gayla Hendrix voted in favor. Aldermen Josh Miller and Shawn Jacobs voted against, preferring to wait until the outcome of Caplinger’s lawsuit. The city has reportedly received at least two resumes since last month.
“I think it’s time we start advertising for a police chief. We’ve been a pretty good while without one. (Captain) Steven (Leffew) is doing a great job. But I think it’s time we started thinking about it. We’re talking about advertising for resumes. That’s just my idea. I want to see what you think about it,” said Mayor Poss.
“I think we should have already been advertising for it. Not that Steven has not been doing a good job but I’m not for sure he wants this burden on him forever. I do think we need to go forward with that,” said Alderman Hendrix.
Aldermen Murphy and Washer agreed.
But Alderman Miller said anyone selected should serve on an “interim” basis until the Caplinger lawsuit is settled. “I would like to see him be named interim chief until things are smoothed over,” he said.
In the lawsuit, attorneys for Caplinger, Sarah Cripps and Brandon Cox are asking, among other things, that the court “hold and declare that Caplinger’s suspension without pay effective March 13, 2015 is invalid, and hence, a nullity” and that Caplinger be allowed to “receive all accrued back pay from March 13, 2015 until the date of the hearing in this cause”.
“We are seeking to have Chief Caplinger restored to his rightful position as chief. We are also asserting that he is entitled to receive all accrued back pay and every other benefit to which he would be entitled had this unlawful suspension and termination never occurred,” Cripps told WJLE when the lawsuit was filed.
In other business, Suzanne Williams of the Chamber of Commerce will address the Board concerning tourism.
An update will be given on the Smithville Airport fuel farm and runway lighting projects.
The Board will consider granting approval to hire Rob Alexander at the water treatment plant.
Any other business properly brought before the Board will be considered.
WJLE plans LIVE coverage
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