Derek Line named new Russellville deputy marshal

Derek Line

RUSSELLVILLE -- Russellville will now have an additional policeman to help ensure the safety of its residents.

The Russellville Town Council approved a request by Town Marshal Matt Biggs to instate Putnam County sheriff’s deputy Derek Line as a new deputy marshal for the small town.

Biggs referenced the town’s recently passed salary ordinance stipulating compensation for a deputy marshal. This includes $25 per hour worked and not to exceed $13,000. It also provides a $400 uniform allowance paid out equally in January and July.

Russellville will now have three officers committed to the town. Line will serve alongside Biggs and Officer Mike Downing.

Line has been full time with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office since January 2020. He previously was an officer for the Indiana University Police Department in Bloomington.

In other business:

• The council approved for Cary McGaughey to continue serving as council president in 2021.

• The town approved to purchase a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe from the Putnam County Commissioners for $1. This will serve as an additional police vehicle.

• The board approved a request by UMAC’s Troy Elless to purchase a replacement check valve for the town’s water plant. Elless said the part could cost around $600-$800, so it was stipulated that the purchase not be over $1,000.

• Clerk-Treasurer Martha Mandleco announced that Larry Tippin, who has worked with the town as a certified public accountant (CPA), had completed an accounting of Russellville’s water asset management plant. Mandleco said he had billed her $5,000.

• The council approved its contract with the Russellville Volunteer Fire Department. The $10,000 contract is unchanged, with payments being made twice a year.

Council members Norma Jean Gross and Cathy Jones joined McGaughey for the meeting. Town Attorney Stu Weliever was also in attendance.

The next regular meeting of the Russellville Town Council is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Russellville Community Center.