GEARY — Two police officers took the oath and were formally hired by the City of Geary on Thursday, March 10, providing relief for the handful of officers who'd been working overtime to staff the department.
Levi Johnston and Sara Saunders are the newest members of the Geary Police Department after they were sworn in before the Geary city council and Chief Cecil Harrall.
The officers' hiring was among the agenda items considered Thursday in a relatively brief meeting at Geary City Hall. Councilmembers Mary Hays, Cozetta Johnson and Tabbitha Kiener, along with Mayor Bobby Allen, heard reports from department heads and took action on behalf of the city and the Geary Utilities Authority.
Among the decisions agreed upon Thursday were:
• To advertise for bids to mow the grass between the town and Cherokee Travel Mart
• To seek applicants for pool managers and lifeguards for this summer
• To accept the old ambulance barn at 705 N Galena, which was donated by the Geary 522 district due to lack of use
• Approve bids up to a predetermined level for a new backhoe coming up for auction
In addition to the two officers hired, the council accepted the resignation of Thomas Hankey and approved Joshua Powell's move to reserve officer.
Harrall told the council there have been no applicants as yet for the city's vacant animal control officer position, which the police department hopes to fill as the city opens its new shelter this spring.
The Geary council will meet again on Thursday, April 7. An election to fill a vacant council seat will be held that Tuesday, April 5; Kim Lewis and Cory Hicks are the candidates under consideration to replace Cody Wright, who moved in November.