Update: Mayor Pro Tem Victor Perot has modified his original statement and confirmation of Perez as Interim Chief via email to the Herald.
“First off Tino cannot officially be recognized as Interim Chief until we officially adopt it in open session at the next Council meeting,” Perot emailed. “TECLOSE would not recognize him until a formal vote is taken. He is in charge of the department as of now and until we meet again.”
Original:
Investigator Tino Perez was appointed the interim Chief of Police for the City of Jefferson today. Perez was appointed by Mayor Pro Tem Victor Perot.
“I’m honored to be trusted with overseeing the department during this time,” Perez said.
“Council told me to offer the interim position to him to see if he would accept,” said Perot in email conversations with the Herald. “We will adopt a permanent change at the next regular meeting. All I can say is that I was given this direction by each and every Councilperson and it did not happen in open session last night.”
Two council members have confirmed they did not know anything about seeing if Perez was interested in the interim position and they did not speak to Perot about it.
Council did not take any action following last nights special session where, after public input, and an executive session discussion, they accepted the resignation of Chief of Police Jason Carroll. Council must approve the appointment, including salary, etc., of all personnel changes.
The next regular council meeting is July 21.