A packed agenda and emotional public comments highlighted the Town of Gore’s regular meeting on March 17, as residents voiced strong concerns over a troubling encounter involving a local police officer while trustees also approved key infrastructure improvements and personnel actions.

During public speaking, multiple citizens addressed the board regarding a video circulating in the community that allegedly shows a Gore police officer threatening a 17-year-old during a traffic stop.

Speakers, including Judy Campbell, Sean Buckner and Dawn Raspberry, urged the board to take decisive action.

Campbell questioned the officer’s training and called for termination rather than resignation.

Buckner echoed those concerns, saying the board should “set a precedent” that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Raspberry, who identified the teen as a family member, described the video as “heartbreaking” and said the officer’s conduct was unacceptable.

Trustees did not publicly respond to the comments during the meeting.

In regular business, the board approved the February meeting minutes, financial report and purchase orders, with Trustee Joni Couch abstaining from the vote.

The board also unanimously approved awarding a construction contract to Boyd Construction for the rehabilitation of the 9th Street pump station, a project aimed at improving local infrastructure.

Additionally, trustees voted to amend the town’s purchasing manual.

Following an executive session, trustees took several personnel actions. The board voted unanimously to terminate the employment of Officer Conner Sission.

They also approved paying Police Chief Randy Taylor for 80 hours of unused vacation time and moved Tracy Christenberry to an unpaid reserve officer position.

Trustees also accepted the resignation of Johnny Turner.

Discussion regarding police pay scale and incentives was tabled.

The board approved the town’s 2026 event calendar and authorized $500 in advertising for the upcoming Easter egg hunt scheduled for April 4.

In her report, Mayor Robin Henry said the town is awaiting notice to proceed on a sidewalk project. The Gore Police Department reported 32 calls for service, 46 traffic stops, 22 warnings, seven citations and no arrests for the reporting period.

The fire department responded to a range of calls, including emergency medical responses, rescues and brush fires, and announced a transition to an all-digital reporting system to remain compliant with state guidelines.

Immediately following the town meeting, the Gore Public Works Authority convened and approved up to $104,000 for the 9th Street pump station rehabilitation, along with $500 in Easter egg hunt advertising.

With no further business matters to address, the meeting adjourned at 6:41 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.