by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
Sanibel Police Chief William Dalton and Deputy Police Chief Dr. Anthony Thompson will both retire from the City on December 31, 2025. Still, they will continue their roles as contract employees for the next four and five years.
The City says it does not want to lose the services of these long-term, exemplary leaders. They have each served the community for over 30 years, starting as patrol officers.
On July 15, the Council unanimously passed a resolution stating that the most effective way to retain their services and to establish certain conditions of employment after retirement is to enter into employment agreements.
Dalton’s contract, which is for one year and will automatically renew for four years, provides for an annual salary of $183,324, with the same benefits as those of City of Sanibel department directors, including health insurance available to other Police Department employees.
Dalton’s annual salary will increase by the same percentage applicable to other general employees. He will not be eligible to participate in the Retirement Trust Fund, and the City will not contribute to a pension fund or other retirement accounts on his behalf.
Thompson’s agreement is also for one year and will automatically renew for three years and six months. It provides for an annual salary of $160,675 and contains the same provisions noted above for Dalton.
Council member Richard Johnson said, “We’re still in recovery and need a stable staff.”
City Manager Dana Souza noted that there are several initiatives underway that would suffer without the continued services of Dalton and Thompson, including seeking accreditation for the police force, the new police station, and establishing a succession plan.