Goodhue police chief, other officers resign over pay, recruitment

Matthew Stolle, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.
Updated ·1 min read
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Aug. 11—GOODHUE, Minn. — Goodhue city government finds itself in the midst of a crisis amid reports that Goodhue Police Chief Josh Smith and other officers have resigned, according to area news reports.

A special meeting by Goodhue Mayor Ellen Anderson Buck and the city council is planned for 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, at city hall.

A special meeting notice was posted to the door of city hall with "Chief Smith, Officer Brecht and part-time officers resignations" dryly describing the reason for the meeting. "Pay increase" and "current status of the current police department" are also listed as discussion items.

The issue in dispute reportedly revolves around requests for higher pay and better recruitment efforts, according to news reports. According to an anonymous former Goodue City police officer quoted by ABC 6 News, Smith and one other full-time officer are working at present. But part-time police officers resigned immediately.

In an email to the Post Bulletin on Saturday, Aug. 12, the mayor said the police chief resigned on Wednesday evening at the council meeting and "has accepted a position with the Lake City Police Department."

"I have been in contact with the Goodhue County Sheriff Department and will be bringing information before the council on Monday evening. I want to reassure the residents of Goodhue we will have law enforcement coverage in the interim," the mayor said.