The Town of Gore Board of Trustees covered a full agenda during its regular monthly meeting last Tuesday evening, addressing personnel matters, policy approvals and community updates.

Vice-mayor Larry Pack called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., with trustees Randy Foley and Joni Couch present. Mayor Robin Henry and Trustee Matt Holland were absent.

The board began with standard approvals, unanimously passing the minutes from previous meetings, the June financial report, and purchase orders.

Property, policy decisions

One of the first major ac- tions of the evening was the approval of an abatement at 204 German Street, a property listed under Trenten Young. The board passed the measure unanimously following discussion.

The trustees also approved two new social media policies, one for the town and another specifically for town employees. These policies are aimed at setting clear expectations for the use of social media in official and personal capacities, a move that reflects growing attention to digital conduct by public employees.

Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA) were also on the table. The board approved a 3.5% raise for town employees, effective immediately. A similar raise was approved later in the evening during the Gore Public Works Authority (GPWA) meeting.

Executive Session

An executive session was convened to discuss confidential matters involving personnel and legal issues, specifically regarding Chad Chance and an invoice from Via Verde Estates LLC.

Upon returning to open session, the board voted to hire Chance as a police officer at a rate of $19 per hour. No action was taken regarding the Via Verde Estates invoice.

Additionally, the board formally accepted resignations from Taylor P. Felder and Janet Bigg.

Community reports Clerk Lisa Settlemyre shared a lighthearted reminder from the mayor’s office encouraging residents to add to Fabio the Rock Snake, a community art installation that is set to leave for the season soon.

Gore’s new police chief, Randy Taylor, reported that the police department had handled 34 calls, 49 traffic stops, 30 warnings, 15 citations, and eight arrests since the last meeting. Fire Chief Justin Ohl reported 19 calls, 18 of which were medical in nature, with one motor vehicle accident.

Taylor was sworn into office by Settlemyre, while stating how grateful and honored he was to accept the position and serve the community.

Taylor brings 18 years of law enforcement experience, including eight years as a patrol officer in Gore.

“I understand the importance of trust between law enforcement and the people we serve. That trust must be earned and protected through honesty, transparency and accountability,” Chief Taylor said.

“One of my top priorities will be building stronger relationships with the citizens of Gore. I believe in community-first policing, being present, being available, and being involved. Whether it’s working with local schools, meeting with business owners, or simply stopping to say hello, I want you to know that your police department is here for you.”

Taylor said the police department is not just there to enforce the law, but to protect, support and serve with compassion and fairness.

“I invite open communication and community involvement. If you ever have questions, concerns or just want to say hello, my door is always open,” he concluded. “Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility. I look forward to working together to make Gore the safest and strongest community it can be.”

The meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m., transitioning immediately into the GPWA meeting.

GPWA meeting

In the subsequent Gore Public Works Authority meeting, the board quickly approved standard business items and a matching 3.5% COLA raise.

An executive session was held to discuss Dustin Vanderpool’s employment. Following the session, the board voted to raise Vanderpool’s pay to $23 per hour.

GPWA Administrator Jeremy Lane reported 16% water loss in the system, 6 water leaks, 21 water locates, and 25 work orders over the past month.

The GPWA meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.

This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.