Council continues search for new police chief

By Lindsey Vaculin

General Manager

It’s back to the drawing board in the search for a new police chief for Cameron again.

Cameron City Manager Rhett Parker told city council that the city will once again begin accepting applications for the position during its meeting on July 17.

The council’s hiring committee had met with several candidates and council instructed Parker to negotiate a contract with a finalist during its June 28 meeting, but negotiations were not successful.

The search for a new police chief began in February after the City Council fired Randy Dixon, the former police chief. Parker said that the city wanted new leadership and direction for the Cameron Police Department.

The council also held a public hearing to receive comments regarding the 2016 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report during the meeting. No public comments were taken.

In other business, council also approved the use of the City Park for a memorial service as part of a Memorial Ruck that is planned for Aug. 19. The Memorial Ruck will take place Aug. 19 beginning at 8 a.m. in Cameron City Park. The 8-mile ruck will follow Fannin Street out  to Highway 77 North turning around at Denio’s Furniture Store and will head back to City Park. At 1 p.m. a memorial service will be held to honor the fallen and their families. Guest speaker will be Earl Granville.

Council also approved a request from the O.J. Thomas Alumni Association for its annual parade on Aug. 11; approved a TxDOT aviation resolution for Airport Rehabilitation Project; approved an audit engagement letter with Donald L. Allman, CPA; and appointed Alan Patterson to the Airport Board.