City approves Barnes separation agreement

By Melissa McCaghren

Slatonite GM

The City of Slaton Commissioners approved a separation agreement with former Chief of Police Trevor Barnes Monday evening (Oct. 16) during its regular monthly meeting.

Mayor Clif Shaw said the agrement had been reached and once the commission passed it the agreement became public record.

During public comment, several people addressed the commission stating they were disappointed Barnes resigned, saying it was a “mistake” for the resignation to be accepted. 

Several also addressed concerns about safety or if the City was going to dissolve the Police Department.

Shaw said they were not going to get rid of SPD, and had a conversation with the South Plains Association of Governments to help get more officers.

The Board approved using SPAG to assist the City in identifying a suitable candidate for the Chief of Police.

City Manager Wade Willson said SPAG would do a search for the candidate, and work with the City to build a description, blanket the job market with the posting, receive applications and whittle them down to the final few candidates.

Willson added from there they would put together a board that would have law enforcement officials, members of the Board and himself, as well as possibly a Slaton resident to conduct final interviews and then hire based on its recommendation. Willson said this was a process he liked as it keeps favoritism out.

The flat rate for the search will cost $2,500, which Willson added they would most likely meet over the $60 and hour rate.