Llano will not replace suspended officers

By Phil Reynolds

The Highlander

Llano city officials don’t plan to hire any police officers to replace four who are on paid administrative leave, according to City Manager Scott Edmonson.

City council members went behind closed doors during the Monday, Jan. 22, council meeting to talk the matter over with city attorneys, but took no action following the executive session, Edmonson said.

“We have the city covered with the four remaining officers and the Llano County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO),” Edmonson said.

He explained the sheriff’s office and the city have a memorandum of understanding that calls for sheriff’s deputies to back up city police officers when necessary.

Three members of the eight-person force – Chief Kevin Ratliff, Sgt. Jared Latta and Patrol Officer Aimee Shannon – are on administrative leave with pay after a complaint charging official misconduct. Another officer, Matthew Grant Hardin, was already on paid leave, but city officials said the two actions are unrelated.