A full time police officer was hired Monday for the city of Benton.
Morgan Corn, 23, will begin her new duties today, according to Chief of Police Kyle Melvin. She will be a probation officer until her training is complete in about 12 weeks.
"She will go through a 12-week field training program. We have certified field training officers on our department. She will start off riding with them and throughout that 12 weeks she will have more work on her. We expect professionalism and efficiency out of all of our officers and that starts with training them properly right out of the gate," Melvin said.
Mayor Fred Kondritz swore in the new officer, believed to be the fourth or fifth female hired in recent years.
"Morgan is exceptional. She passed the merit board, which includes written, physical and psychological examinations," Kondritz said. "She has a bright history ahead in Benton, and we feel fortunate to have Morgan here."
As a side note, Kondritz said the city's canine, Ranger, took a liking to the new officer.
In other business, ordinances were adopted setting water and sewer rates on a per gallon basis. The rates for consumers will not change, according to Public Property Commissioner Ronnie Baumgarte.
He explained with the city's new metering system, consumption will be read by the gallons, rather than by the thousands. The city recently purchased the new metering system at a cost of $900,000, funded internally, according to Finance Commissioner Dennis Miller. Miller said new meters are being installed throughout the city and should be completed early next year.
The council also approved an agreement with Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market for clerical support at no cost to the city. City attorney Tom Malkovich said the agreement is pending with the understanding that a qualified candidate be found.
Kondritz tabled an agenda item that would have accepted the resignation of an airport board member and the appointment of a new member.
