There has been a shake up in the Pinebluff Police Department.

After a 40-minute closed session Thursday night, the Pinebluff Board of Commissioners announced the termination of officer Annette Gooslin effective July 5 and the hiring of Chad Smith to the position of sergeant.

The announcement was made during the regular monthly meeting of the board.

Smith, a reserve officer with the department, replaces Sgt. Chris Sanderson, who resigned effective July 16, Mayor Earlene McLamb said.

That means the Pinebluff department now has three full-time officers, including the chief, and two reserve officers, leaving one full-time position available.

“We have about four applications, and we will fill the position,” McLamb said.

McLamb said that in the meantime, the town will rely on its current staff, including its two reservists, Charlie Prichard and Ray Morton.

“They (reserve officers) are very good about coming to work when we say, ‘Help, we need you,’” McLamb said.

Commissioners Aaron Butler and Harold Watts III were absent from the meeting; both are currently serving in the military reserves.

In other business, the commissioners voted unanimously to set a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16 to discuss changes to the town ordinances pertaining to electronic gaming operations.

The town already allows such businesses, and the proposed changes to the ordinances have already been approved by the town Planning Board.

Also, McLamb announced that the the town’s July Fourth celebration netted a profit of $1,119, which will be distributed equally to two local veterans groups.

The board tabled discussions on in-town sewer rates, a mutual aid agreement with Aberdeen for building inspection services and water adjustments for commercial property.

Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or by email at tembrey@thepilot.com.