James Darling could be next Top Cop

PEMBERVILLE, Ohio - Acting Chief of Police James Darling will have the “acting” removed from his title if he and the village can come to terms on a contract over the next few weeks.

Village Council Tuesday night unanimously agreed enter negotiations with the Darling following a 55-minute executive session to discuss personnel issues. Darling was called into the session about 20 minutes before council returned to public session and took its action.

Mayor James Opelt recommended that negotiations commence, pointing out that Darling has been with the village 5 1/2 years. Darling was full-time sergeant when he was appointed acting chief several weeks ago when Chief Richard Bingham left the village for another job. Opelt said that given the financial situation of the village, the chief will be the only full-time member of the police force. The new sergeant will be part-time.

The mayor said having Darling as chief will save the village time and money in advertising and interviewing for a new chief and that Darling is well-respected by other officers in the department.

Negotiating the contract will be up to the Police Committee, which will bring any deal back to council for approval.

When Bingham left the village, council decided to wait until after the Nov. 3 election to determine how the village would proceed with hiring a new chief. Voters turned down a .5-mill levy dedicated to police operations, leaving the village about $55,000 less than needed to maintain the same level of coverage.

Council also:

• Learned leaf pickup has been extended to Dec. 4. Member Eric Campbell said most leaves have been picked up but the extra time should make sure everyone is covered. Brush pickup will start Dec. 1.
• Heard the Finance Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1, just before the next council meeting.
• Approved having village employees pick up an additional two percent of the health insurance costs starting in 2010. Campbell was the lone dissenter.

(Information from the Sentinel-Tribune, a FOX Toledo News media partner)