Twelve city of Hanceville employees were terminated Friday, March 14, following a decision made earlier in the week by the city council to temporarily abolish the Hanceville Police Department.

The 12 employees have been on paid administrative leave since Feb. 20, three days after criminal indictments of several former HPD officers, including Chief Jason Marlin, were made public.

All of the remaining HPD personnel were cleared of any wrongdoing.

Deputies with the Cullman County Sheriff’s office have been tasked with patrolling the area since the former officers were charged. During a specially called council meeting Monday, March 10, sheriff Matt Gentry told the council that overtime compensation for the deputies totaled approximately $25,000 each month and requested reimbursement from the city until a permanent decision was made as to the department’s future. However, Gentry offered to absorb the additional costs for an additional 30 days.

According to the city, payroll costs for all employees placed on administrative leave were roughly $82,000 each month.

Council members approved to disband the department on Monday and to appoint a selection committee which will be tasked with hiring a new police chief and to rebuild the department “from the ground up.”

Local officials confirmed a letter was sent out to employees on Friday which stated that due to the department’s decreased service capability combined with several employee resignations, the city would “have a reduction in force,” for the remaining HPD employees.

Employees will receive their final paychecks on March 21, and be compensated for any vacation/sick days they have accumulated. Employee’s medical insurance will remain valid through the end of the month.

The letter also clarified that any future positions would be posted after the department is reinstated and that all employees would be eligible for rehire according to the specific job requirements.

Mayor Jimmy Sawyer released the following statement the following day Saturday, March 15:

“Last week, the City of Hanceville faced the difficult decision to disband the Hanceville Police
Department. This step was not taken lightly and came after careful deliberation, consultation
with legal counsel, and a thorough analysis of the city’s financial standing. While the hope had
been to retain the department in its current form, it became clear that the best path forward, both
legally and financially, was to rebuild from the ground up.

“This decision allows us to fulfill our responsibility as stewards of the city’s limited tax revenues
while ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We are deeply grateful to the
officers and employees who served honorably, and this decision in no way diminishes our
appreciation for their dedication. For those impacted by this decision, we extend our heartfelt
gratitude and regret for the challenges this may bring.

“Looking ahead, the city’s goal is to establish a new police department built on a foundation of
integrity and service. We are committed to hiring a new chief who can lead this effort and
assemble a team that embodies the values of our community.

“In the interim, we remain thankful to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office for stepping in to
provide law enforcement coverage and ensuring that our residents remain safe during this
transition.

“The City of Hanceville remains focused on building a stronger future for our citizens, and we
thank our community for its understanding and support as we move forward together.”