Many residents have expressed support for interim Chief Branson
Taylor is on the search for a new top cop with the help of a consulting firm and plenty of public input.
Henry Fluck stepped down as police chief in September after 12 years with the department and Commander Joseph Branson — a local favorite to replace Fluck — was named interim chief.
City officials have asked the public to weigh in about the kind of chief residents want to see run the Taylor Police Department, which led to a town-hall meeting Monday at the Taylor Public Library overseen by Affion Public.
The executive search firm is responsible for recruiting several of the city’s current administrators Company President and CEO Scott Reilly told the audience its comments
would be used to help decide on characteristics of a chief who is a right fit for the community.
“The goal of this is to build a profile so that we can go out and finetune your next police chief,” Reilly said.
Nearly 20 community members attended and offered their observations.
Several residents have already expressed a desire to see Branson become the permanent chief. He joined the Taylor Police Department in 2005 and was named a commander in 2015.
Branson has since applied for the spot, but he didn’t make that decision known until after Affion Public was hired to help with the search, city officials said.
Mayor Dwayne Ariola said one reason Branson wasn’t automatically considered to replace Fluck was that Branson earlier mentioned he was considering retiring.
Branson was not at the session but said later he appreciates the kind words shared at the town-hall meeting and has “full confidence in the city’s hiring process to identify the right person for the job.”
At the library session Nov. 3, attendees said they want their next chief to be community focused, to forge tighter relationships with under-served and at-risk communities, to show understanding and compassion when working with those who have mental-health issues and to focus on illegal drug sales and usage.
Williamson County Precinct 4 Constable Paul Leal, a Taylor resident, said his deputy constables work closely with city police including Branson and have a good relationship.
Leal, an elected official, also expressed concerns about possibly bringing in an outsider when there are qualified candidates locally.
“What is the message you’re sending to everybody that’s employed at that Police Department? There’s no sense to move up the ranks. You’re never going to reach the top,” Leal said.
By appointing a local veteran already on the force, the city would avoid surprises such as finding out someone is a poor fit after they’ve been hired, Leal added.
Reilly said his search does not place extra weight on choosing a local candidate, but added the city has the final say on who is hired.
He also suggested an outside candidate from a larger community may bring experience that Taylor needs as it continues to grow.
Affion Public specializes in executive search services for city, county and state governments.
City Manager Brian LaBorde, Assistant City Manager Carly Pearson and Chief Finance Officer Robert Powers were all initially recruited by Affion Public.
The contract for the police chief search is $28,000.
The company is also currently helping Taylor seek a director of development services.
The recruitment for a police chief is in its early stages, but Reilly said he has already spoken with local stakeholders, including members of the department’s command team and city staff.
Reaching out to the public also is part of the company’s process.
In August, Affion Public helped look for a downtown and tourism director. The successful candidate, Sean Johnson, lasted only a few weeks in Taylor before abruptly leaving.
An online survey is available through Sunday, Nov. 9, for those who would like to comment on the chief search.
A link to the survey is on the city’s website home page, taylortx. gov. It can be accessed directly at surveymonkey. com/r/8Z9YPL8.
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What is the message you’re sending to everybody that’s employed at that Police Department?”
— Williamson County Precinct 4 Constable Paul Leal
