MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — City Manager Kim Haws said the city has thus far received 20 applications from those interested in becoming the city’s next police chief.
The application period for the new chief closes Feb. 4.
“We’re waiting for the time limit to pass and we will process those applications and try to do so as quickly as we can,” Haws told members of Morgantown City Council.
Nine-year chief Ed Preston submitted his resignation last April. He stepped down at a time when the city cut spending because of the impact of COVID-19. A decision was made to leave some opening officer positions vacant.
Haws is also working on filling a few other key positions in the city. He said the job of finance director has been re-advertised. The announcement closes on Jan. 25.
The city is also looking for a planning director. Haws told council he’s getting close to making a hire.
“Just about finalized interviews for that position,” Haws said. “We’d like to offer that position in the next week or so.”
Haws, a former city manager in Bridgeport, has been on the job for a little more than one month. He’s been overseeing the searches even through he’s been dealing with his own case of COVID-19.