A police chief and a building official are the next top priority hires for the city of Gluckstadt as they continue to build the city.
The mayor and board of aldermen are focusing on the next important roles to fill after hiring Lindsay Kellum as the city clerk. With safety being a top priority, Gluckstadt officials have started the search for the police chief who will build the department from the ground up in the new city.
“They will be charged with building a police department from the ground up,” Gluckstadt Mayor Walter Morrison said. “It will be hard. They will need good leadership skills, discretion and a tireless work ethic.”
Morrison said it is most important that the individual chosen is passionate about the job and driven to succeed as he expects the police department to serve the Gluckstadt community and keep it safe.
“One of the reasons Gluckstadt has grown so quickly is that it is a safe community in which to live, raise a family and do business,” Morrison said. “A viable police department will be tasked with keeping our community safe.”
Morrison said he doesn’t have a time frame for when he expects to hire the police chief.
“I would rather hire the right person than hire someone quickly,” Morrison said.
With so many police departments across the country searching for officers, it is important that those seeking officers set themselves apart from the rest to score the best officers. Morrison said they have done this through the salary but also through offering the individual the opportunity to build their department from scratch.
“Not many people get that opportunity,” Morrison said. “For a really driven individual, this is a great opportunity to leave a mark and really make a difference.”
In addition to the search for a police chief, Gluckstadt officials are looking to hire a building official who will also be the planning administrator for the city. The building official will be tasked with inspecting new building construction and modifications and issuing permits. The individual will also be responsible for zoning issues, such as compliance with zoning ordinances and regulations, Morrison said. He is looking to have an individual hired by the end of the year — making the position a priority for the city.
“The citizens of Gluckstadt are very concerned with zoning, particularly given the speed at which the city is growing,” Morrison said. “Everyone wants to make sure that we grow wisely. These decisions are best made at the local level so handling zoning issues at the city level is important.”
Those with questions about either positions or inquiries about the salaries can contact Morrison at wmorrison@gainsben.com or Kellum at lindsay.kellum-@gluckstadt.net. Applications will be accepted by mail to the city at P.O. Box 2210, Madison, MS 39130 or can be hand delivered to City Hall with attention to the city clerk, the mayor or any aldermen at 343 Distribution Drive, Madison.
