LOWVILLE — The village is reapplying for a waiver for Police Chief Eric F. Fredenburg to remain as chief while still collecting his retirement income.

It has had the waiver from the state Civil Service Commission since August 2003.

In addition to his 24 years of experience with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, Mr. Fredenburg’s retirement status is an asset to the village, according to Mayor Donna M. Smith. Mr. Fredenburg does not require retirement system payments or health insurance from the village.

Since his hiring, a new waiver has been issued every two years in the absence of a valid list of eligible candidates. Candidates are placed on the list only if they meet minimum hiring requirements for chief and pass the civil service exam. A list is not considered valid unless it contains at least three candidates.

In 2012, however, the waiver was issued for one year, under the condition that a civil service exam be scheduled. That exam was never scheduled and the deadline to conduct the test has passed. Mr. Fredenburg’s waiver will expire in June.

Mary Lou VanBrocklin, Lewis County Civil Service Department administrator, said she could give no comment, adding, “It’s in the state’s hands.”

When asked whether a new waiver cold be issued or a special exam scheduled, Edward G. Walsh, state Department of Civil Service director of public information, said “the commission would have to review it before rendering a decision.”

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