Mayor vetoes raises

By Staff, 05/21/21 9:48 AM

PRESCOTT – Raises for two Prescott Police officers have been vetoed by Mayor Terry Oliver.

In the May meeting of the Prescott City Council, the panel voted the officers, Det. Colby Tillman and Assistant Chief Alex Gamble, be given raises. Tillman’s raise was to be for completing his probationary period as a detective and Gambles was to make sure the assistant chief made more than lower-ranking officers. However, the raises were vetoed after an arrest was made that brought complaints from members of the council and citizens.

Oliver said he contacted the Arkansas Municipal League to find the proper procedure for issuing a veto, filled out the proper paperwork and got it to the city clerk. “I feel the best way to handle this will be when the chief is present,” he said. Chief Ann Jordan is currently at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy working on her certification.

Oliver said citizens and members of the council didn’t think the arrest was fair. When asked if the officer followed proper police procedure in making the arrest, he declined comment saying he kept out of police business. However, he did say those who have power must control it, and need to “choose their battles and use common sense.”