Interim chief Clancy hired to lead city police department

Interim chief Matt Clancy has been hired as the chief of the Beaufort Police, City Manager Scott Dadson announced at the City Council meeting Tuesday.

"Chief Clancy represents the best in law enforcement, best in character and leadership," Dadson said in a written statement. "We are fortunate to have his experience, education and knowledge of this department and the community at our service."

Clancy has been the interim chief since Jeff Dowling retired in November.

"I'm very happy, very excited about it," Clancy said.

Several council members endorsed the appointment.

"It gives me great pleasure to hire from within," said Council member Donnie Beer. "It shows city employees that there is opportunity for advancement."Mayor Billy Keyserling said there wasn't anybody who didn't encourage the city to take him as chief.

"(Clancy) is an excellent choice," said Council member Gary Fordham.

Clancy has been with the Beaufort Police Department since 1997, serving as a patrolman, criminal investigator, investigative lieutenant and deputy chief.

He will be sworn in at 6 p.m. Mon., Feb. 16, at City Hall.

Other actions at the meeting:

BUDGET REVISIONS

Dadson announced that 12 employees have been asked to retire early. The request was made to city workers who were within a certain time frame of retirement.

The City Council also unanimously passed a first reading of an ordinance to amend the fiscal year 2009 budget, decreasing it by more than $1.1 million dollars.

The decrease reflects the freeze in capitol spending that was imposed in October and hiring freeze that was imposed in December.

Any time there is a major change in the budget, the city has to pass an ordinance, Dadson said.

"We're adjusting so we won't have to cut (the budget) next year," Keyserling said. "We're staying on top to protect cash and services."

This is the first time Beer, whohas been on council since 1991, has seen an amendment to decrease the budget.

"It's not an easy thing to do," Beer said. "But we'd rather be proactive and prepare."

The budget was realigned to reflect an estimated decrease in revenues and expenditures from $14.6 million to $13.6 million.

JSF SUPPORT RESOLUTION

Brad Samuel, the Military Affairs Chairman for the Beaufort Regional Chamber Committee, said he was "caught off guard" at the meeting that the City Council did not sign a resolution supporting the Joint Strike Fighter in Beaufort.

"We would like (the council) to reconsider a resolution to pass," he said, adding that his committee will be willing to help draft a resolution. "We would like to have a marine fighter base town. That's all that this is about."

The Council declined to adopt a formal resolution supporting the JSF in Beaufort on Feb. 3. Members expressed that they do support the military, but wanted more information."We are all on board," Keyserling said.

He added that the council will take up the resolution again in the near future, and will grant approval once members are satisfied with the wording.

This story was originally published February 10, 2009 at 9:12 AM.