Following a nearly two-hour long executive session to discuss personnel matters, the Gerald Board of Aldermen returned to open meeting and announced that there had been a motion made and vote taken behind closed doors. The board announced that it intended to make use of the 72 hour delay, allowed under state statutes, before making public the result.

Ward 1 Alderman Justin Charboneau and Ward 2 Alderman Craig McCormick serve as the committee that oversees the Gerald Police Department. Early this week, Charboneau revealed the decision to The Republican. Police Officer Gary Watson was to be given a choice of taking a two week suspension without pay, or he could resign. The motion was approved by all four aldermen.

Watson chose to resign. He has been with the GPD since July of 2008.

Two part-time officers, John Durbin and Nikki Myers were hired last week and will be able to cover Watson’s assigned shifts.