Perryville may have to pay $83K through end of ex-chief's term

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Under a memorandum of understanding with former police chief Keith Tarrillion, the city of Perryville could end up spending more than $83,000 for Tarrillion's salary and benefits through the end of his term.

Tarrillion resigned March 13 amid allegations of misconduct, including questions about a police report concerning property damage at his home.

Under the memorandum of understanding, he will receive pay and benefits until his term expires April 1.

Voters in Perryville -- which under Missouri state law is organized as a fourth-class city -- elect a city marshal to serve as police chief.

If Tarrillion secures other employment before his term ends, his pay and benefits from the city will be reduced by the amount he earns at his new job, the memorandum stipulates.

If he is charged with a crime, his salary and benefits will cease, pending resolution of the charges.

If convicted, he will have to reimburse the city for any payments made to him after his resignation; if acquitted, he will receive back pay and benefits from the date charges are filed to the end of his term.

Perryville's fiscal year runs from April through March.

City administrator Brent Buerck said the annual salary for the police chief during the fiscal year that ended last month was $59,807. The chief's salary for the current fiscal year is $62,797, he said.

In addition, officers receive health insurance, which costs the city $601.72 per month, and retirement benefits equal to 15.2 percent of their salaries, Buerck said.

Based on those numbers, the city could be out more than $83,000 by the end of Tarrillion's term if he ends up receiving his full pay and benefits for the entire time.

Given all the variables, it is impossible to tell how much the city actually will have to spend, Buerck cautioned.

"It would be purely speculative at this point," he said.

On April 23, the city's board of aldermen appointed Lt. Direk Hunt to serve as interim police chief for the remainder of Tarrillion's term.

Hunt did not receive a pay increase in connection with the position, and no additional officers have been hired since Tarrillion resigned, so his departure has created no new payroll expenses up to this point.

Tarrillion's status as an elected official influenced the city's handling of his resignation, said city attorney Thomas Ludwig.

"It was handled the way it was because it was an elected position," he said.

epriddy@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

215 N. West St., Perryville, Mo