Owensville Police Lt. Scott Griffith was appointed Monday as interim chief until April 2024 when city voters will next have the opportunity to elect a city marshal for a partial term.

Owensville aldermen on Monday met in closed session for an hour and 50 minutes with Griffith it what was billed as an interview for an acting, or interim, police chief assignment. Aldermen came out of the closed session and unanimously approved a motion to have Griffith step into the chief’s position on April 29 when City Marshal Robert Rickerd’s resignation becomes effective.

In open session, Mayor John Kamler restated his intention to appoint Griffith to the position. Ward 1 Alderman Kevin McFadden made the motion to appoint Griffith as their interim chief and his motion received a second from Ward 1 Alderman Cathy Lahmeyer. Matthew Kramme, Ward 1, and Denise Bohl, Ward 2, joined McFadden and Lahmeyer in voting for the appointment. The city adjourned for the evening at 8:05 p.m.

City records show Griffith joined the police force in 2003 and served as a corporal from then until 2007. He was called up to active military duty with the Marines in January 2004 and an overseas  deployment lasted into 2005. He returned but left the force from May 2007 until he returned in January 2008.

With the city’s elected marshal resigning effective April 29, Griffith was asked March 20 by aldermen if he was available for a possible special meeting for an interview.

“I just like that you considered me,” said Griffith, adding, “I would understand if you went another way.”

Mayor John Kamler told the board he and City Administrator Randy Blaske “we surprised” by Robert Rickerd’s announcement early on March 13 that he intended to resign with just over three years remaining on his sixth elected four-year term. Both of the city officials met with Griffith on March 16.

Kamler noted at the city’s meeting earlier this month it was his “intention to appoint Scott” as the city marshal until the election cycle next spring.

Since Rickerd announced his intent to resign, Blaske has clarified the eventual process for city residents to absorb after checking with the city’s attorney.

Rickerd’s resignation announcement came long after the deadline to file as a candidate for the Municipal Election scheduled on Tuesday, April 4. Therefore, an elected replacement for Rickerd will not happen this year.

City voters will select an elected marshal during the April 2024 spring election. That candidate, or candidates, will be seeking to fill the remaining portion of the unexpired term — two years — through the April 2026 election.

Aldermen at their second March meeting also formally accepted Rickerd’s letter of resignation on a 4-0 vote.