MONTAGUE — Amid difficulty filling two open patrol officer positions, the Police Department received unanimous approval from the Selectboard on Monday to offer a $10,000 sign-on bonus in hopes of attracting quality applicants.

The first open position was formerly held by John Dempsey, who retired at the end of 2023, and the second position opened following the Aug. 15 resignation of Joshua Dobosz, according to Town Administrator Walter Ramsey.

This is the first time the Police Department has sought to offer a financial incentive to attract quality applicants, and it is the first time the department has had to hire since it moved away from the Civil Service exam requirement.

The department is seeking pre-certified candidates who will be able to attend the police academy and work for the department full-time. The money will be offered in three phases: $2,500 as a sign-on bonus, another $2,500 after the successful applicant undergoes department training and $5,000 at the start of the year-long probationary period.

Although the Selectboard expressed initial apprehension to the plan during a Sept. 9 meeting, it was approved this week as members acknowledged the need to fill the positions amid a challenging job market, particularly for law enforcement.

“I wasn’t thrilled about it,” Selectboard Clerk Chris Boutwell said, “but I realized it’s what’s going on out there in the world.”

Police Chief Christopher Williams explained these funds act as more of an emergency measure.

“Right now we’re in a jam,” he said. “We have the money in the budget to cover the cost.”

In a follow-up interview, Williams said there were eight applicants for the two open positions. Although two people were offered jobs, both ultimately fell through.

When asked about employment in law enforcement, Williams said staffing is a statewide issue.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re big or small,” Williams said, referencing the size of different police departments, “you’re getting people from the same pool.”

Also during Monday’s meeting, the Selectboard unanimously approved hiring a new 911 dispatcher for the department, Rachel Emerson.

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.