By JIM BUTLER

Boyce Town Council members propose making police chief an appointed instead of elected position.

A motion added to the agenda during a special council meeting March 17 calls for a special election setting a referendum on the question.

Adding the item and voting to approve it was unanimous (motion by Lacretia McCoy Price, second by Leslie Aaron, ayes by Peggy Brew, Mary Fisher) as required by state law. Councilwoman Donna Lofton was absent, according to published minutes.

Chief Ronald Goudeau’s third term ends this year. Since early 2024 he has been the only department member.

The town contracted with the Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement, saving about $75,000 a month in the face of a budget crunch.

The council will hold a public hearing on the question at 6 p.m. April 9.