City of Middleton Pays Bonuses to Police Department Employees
The City of Middleton met for its monthly meeting on Monday, December 18, 2023. Mayor Evan Mott, City Administrator Jimmy Simpson, City Recorder Teri Yopp, and Alderman Ann Baxter, Randy Bishop, David Callahan Jr., and Kevin Speck were present. Alderman Sharon Bishop was absent. The board approved the minutes from the November 2023 meeting and to pay the City bills.
Fire Department Report
There were 10 calls with eight in the county and two in the city.
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Police Department Report
Complaints – 299; arrests – 1 adult, and 0 juvenile and 0 drug involved; traffic citations issued – 12; traffic warnings – 15; motor assists – 10; vehicle lockout assists – 7; other public assist incidents – 38; crash reports/accidents – 2; alarm call – 5; and city assists/county assists – 27.
The department did two food drives. All vehicles are okay, except one will need a new radiator soon.
Year-to-date revenues for citations is $9,210 and county fines is $210.90.
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Utility Report
There were 15 meters replaced; two waterline repairs; one new tap; two hydrants flushed, and one sewer tap. The water loss report is -13.91 percent.
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Pay Bonus
The City is not allowed to pay for back time for lost vacation, but can pay a bonus. The board voted to rescind the motion made at the September 18, 2023, to pay officers for earned vacation they were unable to take due to being short staffed. So, the board agreed to award bonuses “for their hard work and dedication” during the time when Matthew Manness resigned 4/27/21 until when Ed Avery was hired 11/27/22. During that time the City had only Chief Bowden and Lieutenant Webb covering the City. Chief Arness Bowden was given $3,037.98 and Lieutenant Richie Webb was given $4.080.80 in bonuses.
{Watch at 5:16 minute mark in the video to see all covered.}
Employee compensation
Jimmy Simpson is not eligible for the employee health savings account contribution, since he is not under the City’s health insurance, so the board voted to give him a bonus of $2,500.
{Watch at 8:21 minute mark in the video to see all covered.}
Tennessee Environmental Council
The board is considering allowing the organization to set up in 2024 to collect items like tires, mattresses, electronic scrap, and more. There is no cost to the City of Middleton and residents will be responsible for dropping off their items at the designated location.
{Watch at 10:41 minute mark in the video to see all covered.}
911 Invoice
Mayor Mott, City Administrator Jimmy Simpson, and Alderman Kevin Speck attended the recent Hardeman County 911 board meeting. Mayor Mott stated he just received the invoice on Friday, December 15, 2024, of what the City of Middleton owes to the 911 board. The understanding is 911 dispatch will not be provided to the City of Middleton if the invoice is not paid. Middleton will have to provide its own dispatch whether that be Mayor Mott or another designated person in the City; they would have to create a position for someone to man a switchboard at City Hall. Mayor Mott encouraged the alderman consult with their City attorney, because Middleton is being double-taxed for dispatch services and paying both county and city taxes.
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Public Comment period for matters germane to items on the agenda.
There was no one present for public comments.
The revenue and expense report was distributed.
The meeting was adjourned, and the alderman will next meet on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 7 p.m.
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