Former Glenwood Police Officer Discusses Training Reimbursement Agreement With City Council

A former Glenwood police officer came before the Glenwood City Council last week to address his reimbursement to the city for the training and wages he received while attending the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

Zachary Chase signed an agreement when hired by the Glenwood Police Department in January 2023. Under terms of the contract, Chase agreed to reimburse the city for all or a portion of expenses associated with his training and education at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in addition to the wages he earned during the training period should he leave the police force within four years of his hiring. Chase resigned from the Glenwood Police Department in September 2024 after accepting a position with the Council Bluffs Police Department. Glenwood Mayor Angie Winquist said Chase left the Glenwood Police Department with a balance of over $20,000 owed to city, but to date, has made only two $350 payments.

Chase came to the council with a request that he be allowed to make monthly payments of $350 until his debt is retired. With an interest rate of 12.5% factored in, it would take Chase 91 months to pay off the balance.

“I was always planning on paying the contract back,” Chase told city council members. “My offer is continuing the $350 payment every single month.”

Chase said he incorrectly worded a previous letter to the city which led city officials to believe he was requesting to make reimbursement payments of $100 per month.

Chase was asked by city council member Mike Lines why he hasn’t been making the required regular payments since ending his employment with the Glenwood Police Department (20 months ago).

“I was seeking legal counsel within that time frame to have a better understanding for myself,” said Chase.

Council member Donnie Kates asked the mayor if City Attorney Matt Woods has been consulted about establishing a new contract with a specific timeline and guidelines of what’s expected. Winquist said the city attorney has been consulted.

“I know one of the things he mentioned, because you haven’t paid for two years, that if he’s late, if he misses a payment, we wouldn’t be reaching out to you again – it would just be going on to collection,” she said.

Chase said even if he had started making payments to the city immediately after he left for his new job, he’d still have a balance, but Winquist pointed out that he’d owe a lot less.

At the recommendation of council member Tim Reinert, no action was taken on Chase’s request. After obtaining additional input from the city attorney, the matter will likely be addressed at the council’s June 23 meeting.