18/08/2025
Graceville Commission Votes to Decrease GPD to Five Officers, Approves 3% Raise for Police Department
**Publisher’s Note: Again, even though I am owner and publisher of The Graceville News, during the Monday, August 11, 2025 Special Meeting dealing with the Police Department, I could not remain quiet as a citizen, business owner, and mother of a child growing up in this city. Therefore, to print an unbiased article with no feelings attached, this article was written by outside sources using enhanced computer generated technology that was given the meeting’s entire transcript as well as the documents provided by the City of Graceville. You will also find on page 3 of The Graceville News, August 11th edition a complete transcription of the one-hour meeting for your knowledge. A complete video of the meeting is available as well on The Graceville News page.**
The Graceville City Commission voted unanimously Monday night, August 11 to approve a 3% cost-of-living raise for the police department and decreased the number of full-time classified officers from seven to five for the upcoming budget year. The decision came within the first five minutes of the special meeting, before public comment was taken, leading some residents to question the process.
The meeting began with an invocation from Commissioner Terry Nichols and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Walter Olds called for a motion to approve the agenda, which passed unanimously.
City Manager Michelle Watkins outlined the staff recommendation: a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for police officers and staffing at five full-time classified officers. Commissioner John McClendon moved to adopt the recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Pinkard. The vote was unanimous.
Following the vote, Police Chief Jason Barley expressed concern that reducing the number of positions from previous staffing levels would put a heavier workload on remaining officers. Chief Barley stated that he had originally requested a 9% salary increase to align pay with other area departments, but staff had already prepared paperwork to present cutting the GPD two position, when he went to request the 9% raise.
Multiple residents addressed the commission, urging either a larger raise or restoration of a sixth officer. Residents Christina Deon, Shannon Merritt, and Kelley Register questioned why the department did not automatically receive annual cost-of-living adjustments and pressed the commission on possible budget reallocations to meet the police department’s request.
Several residents raised concerns about officer safety with fewer personnel, citing the risks of burnout, lack of backup, and response delays in emergencies. Others suggested forming a committee to examine the city budget for potential cuts in other departments.
Commissioner Nichols defended the decision, citing past periods when the department operated with five officers and emphasizing that the city budget must balance funding for multiple essential services. Nichols also stated that officer turnover was not always due to pay.
Commissioner Pinkard voiced willingness to revisit the possibility of adding a sixth officer during budget planning. McClendon and Davis emphasized the need to consider the city’s overall fiscal health, with Davis noting he represents all residents, including those not present at the meeting.
Resident Samantha Angerbrandt presented salary comparisons with other area municipalities, asserting that Graceville’s administration salaries are among the highest in the tri-county area. She claimed to have identified potential savings of approximately $35,000 through community contributions and budget adjustments that could support higher police pay.
Additional comments from the public questioned spending on positions such as an unfilled animal control officer role and raised the issue of the police chief’s commuting costs.
Tensions rose throughout the meeting, with audience members expressing frustration over the vote taking place early in the session. Some residents argued that the meeting should have included more discussion on alternative staffing options, such as retaining six officers instead of five.
Mayor Olds closed the meeting by acknowledging the variety of opinions and emphasizing the need to consider the entire city’s needs when making budget decisions. The commission will continue full budget deliberations in upcoming meetings. The meeting was adjourned.
