MEIGS, Ga.  — Attempting to remedy the vacant city manager position was one of two empty positions Meigs City Council addressed on Monday.

The Meigs City Council discussed filling positions in the Meigs Police Department, resulting from the resignation of former police chief Gary Price earlier this month.

In a 3-1 vote, Meigs council members approved hiring two part-time police officers from Pelham. Council member Jimmy Layton cast the lone dissenting vote.

The legitimacy of the vote was questioned, and the council sought City Attorney Tom Lehman’s advice.

Lehman said it was his view that due to the lack of city manager, the council fills that vacancy and action can be taken by the majority of the council.

“The 3-1 vote is sufficient,” Lehman said.

Prior to the vote, Mayor Cheryl Walters said hiring two part-time officers would ensure more coverage for the city.

Hiring of the part-time officers also was treated as an emergency situation.

Layton, a former Meigs police chief, questioned if the two officers were certified through Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST). Layton also asked Darrell Laster — the sole remaining officer of Meigs Police Department — to address his probation.

Laster said he was on probation, but was POST-cleared to still work as a police officer in Georgia.

Following Price’s resignation, Laster was appointed as interim police chief.

Price issued his resignation letter on Dec. 5, which went into effect immediately. Price served as police chief for the City of Meigs for two years.