NEWTON FALLS — Village council has passed a motion to have police Chief John Barco sit with council at its monthly meetings, where he will provide updates on the department.

Officials said this is another way for the village to be transparent as it looks at options for its return. Currently, the village has a contract for police protection from the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office.

Barco said he has been working with interim village Manager Mike Novotony and Fiscal Officer Jamie Vernaccini as they review finances and see what grants to apply for as well as what other expenses will be involved to get the department back and running. Officials said there may need to be a discussion on whether to try a levy or tax increase to assist with the process.

The police department was disbanded in December 2022, and the village contracted with the sheriff’s office in January 2023.

Councilwoman at-large Julie Stimpert said council is looking at different options and feels it is important to hear firsthand from Barco.

“It is our responsibility as council to look at everything we have to try and get the police department up and running. We need to look at every option,” Stimpert said.

To help attract officers, council approved an emergency passage Wednesday that increases the pay of part-time officers from $18.54 to $22 per hour. Officials said the increase will help attract and maintain qualified and / or experienced police officers.

Barco said he has received six applicants who are being interviewed.

Barco said he also named Dave Garvey as an administrative sergeant for the department at $22 per hour. Previously, sergeants were paid $25.98 per hour.

He said Garvey will serve as a sergeant only when Barco is off sick or on vacation.

First Ward Councilwoman Patricia Benetis said the public should allow Barco the chance to do what he can to bring the department back. She said it cost the village $100,000 more for the new contract this year with the sheriff’s department.

“People need to be open-minded and give Chief Barco the chance to bring back a working police department,” Benetis said.

She said the police officers will be able to meet and see people and students regularly to become familiar with them.

Fourth Ward Councilman Kevin Rufener said the village may be able to run the department with less money than what is being paid to the sheriff’s department.

Mayor David Hanson said funding will be the key to getting the police department. He said having the department back is more important than ever.

Resident and former councilman John Baryak, who served on council’s safety committee, said the police department was never properly funded.

He said that to fund a police department properly would require $1 million to $1.5 million.

He said he is concerned the part-time officers will leave for full-time jobs elsewhere.

CITY MANAGER TRANSITION

In other business, Novotny is planning to retire in early June as wastewater treatment plant supervisor. Council in a 5-0 vote named Jamie Vernaccini as interim village manager effective June 4.

She will replace Novotny in the position until a new village manager is named.

Second Ward Councilman Brian Axiotis said council does have a candidate in mind for the position but when a final selection is made the new person will not start until the middle of July.

Council also formed a village manager transition team of Novotny, Vernaccini and Rufener to help with the new person becoming familiar with the position.

The transition team will discuss plans at the June 4 meeting.