Winthrop may soon be able to boost its police force from one officer to three. Mayor Sue Langdalen said at last week’s town council meeting that she was interviewing three candidates for two openings, including town marshal.
Any recommendations Langdalen makes must be processed by the town’s civil service commission. Langdalen said she hopes to make an announcement soon.
Former Marshal David Dahlstrom resigned in December 2013, and former deputy Seth Carlson resigned in January. Deputy Ken Bajema, who has said he wouldn’t apply for the marshal’s job, has been the town’s sole police officer since Carlson left.
In other business, Langdalen announced that the town has hired Marc Stroud of Colville as Winthrop’s new building inspector to replace Dave Sandoz, who recently retired.
The council also agreed to change its contractual arrangement with the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce. Julie Muyllaert, co-owner of Methow Cycle and Sport and chamber president, had proposed a change in oversight of the marketing funds generated by hotel and motel taxes.
Currently, a chamber marketing committee advises on how the funds are used, and the chamber carries out the plan. The chamber proposed that the town instead create a Winthrop Lodging and Tax Advisory Commission to handle the oversight function.
The commission will be made up of five to eight members including representatives from the town council, local businesses that collect the taxes, and the chamber board of directors.
