Brooklet City Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday night, December 15, 2022. The agenda item that drew out over 20 residents was an executive session regarding funding the Brooklet Police Department.
In a story this week Grice Connect reported on how the police department had lost all of their officers but one due to the pay not being competitive. Gary Roberts the beloved police chief also tendered his resignation, but Mayor Joe Grooms and the council refused to accept it initially.
Four citizens spoke at the meeting all of which were in favor of doing whatever it took to stop the destruction of the police department. Reverend Chip Strickland, Pastor of Brooklet First Methodist opened the public comments with prepared remarks in which he showered praise on Chief Gary Roberts and the police department. Reverend Strickland also serves as a post certified Chaplain which allows him a unique insight into the department. He asked the council to find a way to keep Chief Roberts leading the department and rebuild the department as quickly as possible.
Each speaker that followed echoed Reverend Strickland's pleas and agreed with his assessment of Chief Roberts and the officers who served with him.
One of the most impassioned pleads came from Jesse Morrison, a Brooklet Police Officer that the council begrudgingly voted to accept his resignation at the meeting. Officer Morrison has accepted a position in Bryan County.
"I have been an officer with the Brooklet Police Department for two years as of yesterday. I love this city and I love this police department. The officers I worked beside in this department are next to family I have ever had at any job. I did not want to leave this city. I would have worked the rest of my life here. It is hard to find a supervisor like Chief Roberts. It is hard to find officers like the ones I served with here", said Officer Jesse Morrison. "I never entered this career for money. I am about to get married and hopefully start a family and I am not afraid to tell you I am breaking even right now. I can't do that. I have to take my family first. I want to be here for everyone of you. Just because it did not work out for me. doesn't mean I want to see the police department fail."
After spending nearly three hours in executive session the council reopened the meeting an voted on business they discussed.
The council voted unanimously to:
- Raise the full time pay for starting officers to $20 per hours. It is currently at $16 per hour.
- When Chief Roberts serves as Chief and a patrol officer in excess of 40 hours, he will receive an additional $440 per week. This incentive is valid for six weeks from the date of approval and can be renewed by council at its expiration date
- Increase all hourly staff's pay by $1.50 per hour
- City Clerk, Lori Phillips will receive $1.50 increase per hour to her annualized salary
- By January 30, 2023 the Brooklet Police Department will relocate to Brooklet City Hall at 104 Church Street.
The City of Brooklet currently has six full time hourly employees and two salaried employees.
"While this may be too little too late to keep our chief and officers, this is a necessary step forward as we begin again to rebuild this department," said Mayor Grooms. "Chief Roberts has put the city before his personal life and health. He loves this city and will be difficult to replace. I wish him well and want to again express my gratitude for his service the citizens of Brooklet."
Chief Roberts retiring
Unfortunately, the increase in pay and other agreed changes were not enough to keep Chief Roberts on the force. "I have spoken with Mayor Grooms and thanked him for this incredible opportunity to serve him, the council and the wonderful citizens of Brooklet. While I appreciate their efforts I have decided it is time for me to retire, again," said Chief Roberts. "December 30th will be my last day. I will work toward a smooth transition."
Chief Roberts came to the Brooklet Police Department after retiring from the Savannah Police Department.
Chief Roberts is looking forward to enjoying his fishing pole and grandchildren. He hopes to do a little handyman work as well, which he enjoys doing. He will continue to live in Bulloch County.
Find the funding
Mayor Grooms said the next difficult step is to find the funding to support these increases in the city budget. "We will be reviewing all areas of city services to find a way to fund these necessary increases to ensure we protect the citizens and continue to keep Brooklet a safe city to call home."
Brooklet City Council meets the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Brooklet City Hall located at 104 Church Street.
