CLARKSVILLE, IN (January 3, 2024) – The newly elected members of the Clarksville Town Council started their new terms by making administrative changes, which some believe will improve public safety.  After completing the traditional reorganization of the Town Council, the members voted to create a new full-time position of Public Safety Director.

Town Manager Kevin Baity says creating the position has been a topic of discussion between he and Town Council President Ryan Ramsey for several months.  Baity says the position was suggested by Police Chief Mark Palmer, who had expressed interest in taking that position if it were created.

According to the job description, the Public Safety Director will be ‘responsible for assisting the Town Manager in executing the long-term vision and goals for public safety for the Town, in collaboration with the Town Council and Department Heads.’  During Tuesday night’s meeting, the position was created by a vote of 4-3, and Palmer was tabbed to assume that new role.

“We would like to thank Mark Palmer for his many years of dedicated service to the Town of Clarksville,” said Ryan Ramsey, Clarksville Town Council President.  “We look forward to everything that he will accomplish in his new role as Public Safety Director.”

Following the creation of the new Public Safety Director position, Town Manager Kevin Baity announced that the Town Council appointed Nathan Walls as the new Clarksville Police Chief.  Walls has served in the department for 16 years and has held several ranks including Narcotics Detective, Detective Corporal, Administrative Lieutenant, and Captain. Walls is a lifelong resident of Clarksville and has dedicated his career and personal life to the Town.

“Chief Nathan Walls has served the community he calls home for 16 years.  We are confident in his ability to lead our talented police force while introducing fresh perspectives and new ideas,” said President Ramsey.

Palmer and Walls will assume their new positions effective immediately, with Palmer moving to the administrative offices in Town Hall.  Those offices are also home to Clarksville’s Town Manager, Communications Director, and Economic Development Director.  Communications Director Ken Conklin says Palmer will be a great addition to the administrative staff.

“The Town of Clarksville is fortunate to be able to retain the services of someone with such a wealth of knowledge and experience in law enforcement to help us better protect our residents,” said Conklin.  “As a husband, father, and resident of Clarksville, I know my family is safer with having Mark Palmer planning for the long-term safety of our community.”

Although the majority of the Town Council were in favor of the changes, the vote did fall along party lines.  Democratic representatives Tony Munich (District 1), Ryan Ramsey (District 3), Karen Henderson (District 4), and Bob McEwen (At-Large) voted to create the new Public Safety Director position and appoint Walls as the new Police Chief.  Republican members Darci Schiller (District 2), Bob Stotts (District 5), and Jennifer Voignier (At-Large) voted against the changes.

More information about the new Public Safety Director position and how it will help to improve public safety will be released in the coming weeks.  The Town Council will take the final step to creating the position at it’s January 22nd meeting when it passes a new salary ordinance.