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Sheriff Paul Budrow will not be taking time off before returning as Police Chief in the Twisp Police Department, Mayor Hans Smith told MVE on Monday.
Budrow’s last day at the sheriff’s office will be Monday, April 6. Smith said he would like to swear in Budrow, but that week is spring break and Smith is taking his son to visit colleges.
Town Clerk Randy Kilmer could be swearing in the returning chief, said Smith.
Budrow announced his return to Twisp on Friday, citing better health insurance benefits. In December, the Twisp town council voted to expand health insurance coverage and pay $500 toward the premium for the employee’s first dependent.
The town covers 100% of health insurance premiums for full-time employees and 80% for part-time employees.
“This has been a long term goal for employee retention,” said Smith. “We hope to expand that in coming years. We didn’t do that just for Paul.
“Our insurance was not up to snuff,” he added.
Budrow was the sole applicant for the position, said Smith. Others had considered, but did not apply.
Smith told the town council in December there were three candidates interested in the police chief position. He dismissed the notion that other candidates dropped out because of Budrow.
Referring to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, with whom Smith worked to recruit a police chief, Smith said, “I don’t think they knew Paul would apply. I was talking with them and they did not mention Paul. It was wide open.”
“Paul is obviously well-known in the community. The alternative would be to have other candidates that might be promising, but it would be a more intrusive process where you have to make determination of character.”
Smith worked with Budrow as a councilmember when Budrow was police chief and as mayor when Budrow was sheriff.
“There’s not a lot of mystery there,” he said.
Smith said he does not think Budrow, 64, will be in the position as long as his first 11 year run from 2011 to 2022.
“He’s getting closer to retirement. I don’t anticipate he will be there 10 years. As soon as he’s hired, we will talk about succession planning,” said Smith.
There have been no applicants for the two police officer positions and Smith said he would not consider any until after Budrow is sworn in.
