Hoschton now has a permanent police chief after the City Council voted Monday to appoint Capt. Jeremy Howell to the position.

Howell, 36, has served as acting police chief since former police chief David Hill resigned on May 15. Hill now works as major of police services with the Jefferson Police Department.

Councilman Richard Shepherd said the decision was made after council members interviewed Howell in an executive session on May 12 at the public safety meeting.

"After a lengthy discussion with Capt. Howell about his goals and aspirations relative to the city of Hoschton, we (council) then met and decided that we would like to promote Capt. Howell from acting chief to permanent chief," said Shepherd.

Howell, who leads all city investigations, has been with the department for 6 1/2 years.

Previously, he was a deputy with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.

As chief, Howell said he first wants to garner input from residents about some proposed changes he has for the department.

Some successful programs enacted by Hill will remain, he said, but the department’s reduced staff and tighter budget will affect what services the department provides.

"We’re constantly going to have to have some versatility," said Howell. "And there will be some noticeable changes, for the better."