Milton approves Roberts as interim chief
Photo 
Robert Roberts
MILTON — Robert W. Roberts will be the interim Milton police chief effective April 1.
The police commission appointed him in a meeting this morning to serve through July 31, according to the agreement, which Roberts has accepted.
According to the contract:
-- Roberts will be paid at a salary equivalent to $62 per hour.
-- Through May 15, Roberts will be paid for 25 hours per week, with a minimum of 15 hours on-site per week. Roberts is an assistant professor of criminal justice at UW-Platteville and will work part time until the school year ends. After that, he will be paid for 40 hours each week, with a minimum of 30 hours on-site per week.
-- Roberts will not receive benefits.
-- The contract may be extended at the city’s request.
On Tuesday, Roberts laid out a step-by-step plan for recruiting a new chief and discussed his philosophy and credentials with the city council. In his presentation, Roberts said communication with the community, police department and other stakeholders will be crucial.
The Milton Police Department has gone without a chief since Tom Gilland retired Jan. 7. Sergeants have run the department under the commission’s supervision as the commission debated rehiring Gilland.
The commission announced last week it was not rehiring Gilland.
related STORIES
Mar 25, 2008 at 9:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
In a mess? Please define that. If those fine people find themselves in any mess, it's one created by (perhaps) well-intentioned, yet sorely mis-informed and out of touch people that hold certains posts for which they should have been removed from 60 days ago. And my daughter has every right to be angry over the wages. She's more informed than you may think.
Mar 24, 2008 at 9:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Well, tjncj, can you explain why Gilland and Hawkins didn't get paid what you propose is appropriate for this person? At least they were devoted to the community for many years - Gilland even devoted his whole career.
Sounds like you're playing favorites.
Mar 24, 2008 at 8:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
The median salary for a police chief in the US is $92,051. With insurance retirement, taxes, time off, etc it adds up to $127,000. Milton is smaller than average but it is also in a bit of a mess and there should be a premium for the short term contract so, I'll say it again, sounds like a pretty good deal.
Mar 24, 2008 at 7:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
I agree with tjncj; it may be a good deal. No insurance, no social security, no pension contributions, etc. Miltonite56 says that his daughter was livid. I wonder what price she would like to put on public safety? Wasn't it just a short time ago there was a double murder/arson next to Milton West Elementary School? I hope nothing ever happens like that again. But if something bad does happen, I hope that the city of Milton has a well trained, lead and equipped police force to protect the community. Some things you can't put a price tag on.
Mar 23, 2008 at 11:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
I guess about 1/2 that.
Mar 22, 2008 at 10:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
Considering his qualifications, $62 per hours with no benefits for 4 months sounds like Milton got a deal to me. What does the full time position pay?
Mar 22, 2008 at 10:48 p.m.
Mar 22, 2008 at 10:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
Even though his contract is only until July 1, this hourly rate works out to $128,960 annually - Milton taxpayer money being paid to someone who is not even a member of the community, nor who will have to live with the results of what he does or doesn't do here. Everyone has a price to do ANYTHING and then leave.
Mar 22, 2008 at 9:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
I would hope for all that AND MORE for $62/hour. That might be what this costs, but my daughter as a taxpayer is livid after reading that.
Mar 22, 2008 at 4:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
I have followed Chief Roberts career. He will leave things in good shape, will act impartially , will be objective and will tell it like it is. Some people will be uncomfortable because of that, but the police department will reap great rewards because of his efforts.
Mar 21, 2008 at 5:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
Interesting, comments made about this individual since the appointment, have been removed. Someone strike a chord? Guardianangel, I read yours before it was removed, interesting.
Mar 20, 2008 at 10:12 p.m.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.