By Jason C. Mattox

A leading candidate for Sardis chief of police declined the position one hour prior to a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen.

That decision leaves five candidates left for the position, with two viewed by city leaders as top contenders.  

Vice-mayor Roy Scallorn presided over the May 27 meeting in the absence of Mayor Alvis “Rusty” Dye, who is on a medical leave for an undetermined length of time.

Scallorn, when he opened the meeting, announced that the candidate who received an offer from the city declined the position, deciding to remain with his current employer.

Aldermen briefly discussed a plan of action in open meeting prior to going into executive session.

“What do we do now?” asked Ward 1 Alderman Joseph “JoJo” Still.

“Do we just want to put an offer out the next person on the list or do we want to do more interviews?” Still asked.

Ward 2 Alderman Mike Wilson suggested there could be a split amongst board members over two candidates.

Scallorn, after the executive session, told The Panolian he was undecided between the contenders discussed during executive session, and, at the board’s urging, will hold a second interview with those candidates Tuesday afternoon if possible.

“We want to have someone in place as soon as possible,” he said. “After those second interviews, I expect the board to vote during our regular meeting that night to put an offer out to one of the remaining candidates.”

Otis Jones is serving as interim chief until the next chief is selected.