Waverly Council tackles police department needs

Waverly Village Council met in regular session Wednesday evening with a number of issues to discuss.

First, Waverly Police Chief John Winfield approached council about the purchase of two new police vehicles.

“We (the police department) were approved for these back in 2022, but there were some issues with getting the vehicles,” Winfield said. “Right now we have two vehicles waiting for us. Those will be outfitted, with council’s approval, at East Coast Emergency Lighting. So when we got those vehicles everything is completely done. All we have to do is drop the radios in them.”

Winfield said the total cost for the two vehicles is $141,743.44. Winfield also said he would like to finance the First National Bank who has the lowest interest rate at this time. With the interest and bank fees the grand total cost would be $141,873.44.

Winfield also mentioned that this money was already budgeted.

Council approved the purchase of the vehicles by 6-0 vote.

Winfield also had some promotions to make within the department.

“We have hired two new officers. So it’s time to restructure the ranks in the police department,” Winfield said. “Right now, we only have two sergeants. Since I took over that’s all we’ve had. In the past, we had two or three sergeants, plus a lieutenant, a captain and even an assistant chief.”

Winfield asked council to promote Daniel Spires to the rank of sergeant. Winfield said that Spires has worked with the PD since 2022 and has supervisory experience.

The motion passed by a 6-0 vote.