The City of Brookhaven’s Board of Aldermen approved three hires for the Police Department during its abbreviated meeting Tuesday, but denied — at least temporarily — one officer’s submitted resignation.

The board approved the hire of Ronny Murray as a part-time Certified Patrolman 6, at $50,000 annually, or $24.039 per hour. Also approved were the re-hires of Benjamin Hux and Andrew Rector, both Certified Patrolman 2, at $40,500 annually. All are pending drug tests and physicals.

Officer Jadarrius Grandberry submitted his resignation, to be effective Jan. 16.

When Mayor Joe Cox was asked why Grandberry wanted to resign, the mayor replied that the officer wanted to move from full-time to part-time.

“The chief offered, but it would have included weekends and (Grandberry) didn’t want to work on Sunday,” Cox said.

“Was he given a chance to come in and talk to the Board?” asked Ward 6 Alderman Andre’ Spiller.

“I do not know,” Cox responded.

“I think we need to give him a chance to come in and talk to the Board about that,” said Spiller, not accepting his resignation “until he has a chance to come in and talk to us about it.”

“Can I ask a question?” Ward 4 Alderman Jeff Henning said. “Are we thinking that this is retaliation, or did the chief really try to get him to work?”

“Oh, yes, sir,” Spiller answered.

Spiller said his understanding was that Grandberry wished to move to part-time, continuing to work nights, but would have conflicts on some Sundays.

“We’ve hired others with restrictions, so let’s give him a chance,” Spiller said.

Spiller motioned to allow Grandberry to address the Board prior to taking any action on his resignation, and Henning seconded. The vote was 7-0 to allow him to appear.