(Atlantic) Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue has been awarded additional compensation for exceeding his duties and supporting his department during challenging times. Atlantic City Administrator John Lund explained that the past four years have been tough for the Atlantic Police Department, mirroring national trends of declining interest in law enforcement careers. Factors such as fewer applications, early retirements, career changes, and agency transfers have contributed to staffing shortages, with the department operating below its authorized 12-officer capacity since November 2021.
The department, designed to maintain a minimum of two officers on duty 24/7, has struggled to meet these staffing needs. Officers have faced challenges such as canceled vacations, burnout from working three consecutive 12-hour shifts, and insufficient downtime. To alleviate these pressures, Chief Hogue has taken on many of the responsibilities of a Lieutenant, including resuming patrol duties. His increased workload became evident in his timesheets as early as October 2022, with a noticeable spike in January 2023 and from April 25, 2024, through August 9, 2024.
Recognizing Chief Hogue’s efforts, the Personnel and Finance Committee convened on December 31, 2024, and approved a one-time compensation bonus of $10,264.80. This amount reflects 227.5 hours of overtime and holiday work, calculated at Chief Hogue’s current hourly rate of $45.12. The bonus will be processed through payroll at his discretion.
In other business:
*The City Council approved the First Whitney Bank and Trust as the City’s Official Bank for the City Checking Account.
*The City Council approved the Atlantic News Telegraph as the City’s Official Newspaper for legal publication.
*Reappointed three people to a second Parks and Recreation Commission term: Shirley Jensen, Ali Pieken, and Mary Strong.
*The City Council approved compensation for carrying the campground phone. Staff must take the phone for six months of the year, and the other six months held by the campground host as part of their responsibilities. The City Council approved compensating the on-call phone the same as a Public Works union member carrying their department’s on-call phone for $40.00 per day.
*The City Council approved the first reading of ordinance No. 1048, “Vacating the street between 3009 Palm Street, and 3101 Palm Street. The “Right of Way” three ways, evenly between the property owners to the north and the middle to Mr. Bill Welter.
