Police get pay bump as ranks shrink

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Four officers have moved on from the Williston Police Department since the start of the new year, prompting town leaders to bump officer pay and accelerate hiring and retention bonuses.

In a closed-door session earlier this month, the selectboard reopened the town’s three-year employment contract with the officers’ union and agreed on increased wages that amount to “a few dollars more per hour,” according to Town Manager Erik Wells.

very challenging job market right now. The town wants to be competitive among other agencies in the area, especially with a very limited pool of qualified, experienced officers out there.” officers left in quick succession. Neighboring departments are similarly short-staffed (see related story, Page 4).

Williston Police Officer Matt Cohen works from his cruiser on a recent shift. The town has increased officer pay after several officers left the department.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO BY KAREN STURTEVANT