HIGHLAND — The Town of Highland added another officer to its growing constabulary Tuesday night, while setting a new pay schedule and preparing to begin regular patrols this fall.

The Town Board unanimously appointed Anthony Deo following interviews conducted by its Personnel and Emergency Services committees. Deo was sworn in during the meeting.

Town Supervisor John Pizzolato described Deo as “highly qualified” and said he brings approximately 20 years of experience, including 10 years with the New York City Police Department and another 10 years with the federal Department of Defense.

“He’s overqualified, he really is,” Pizzolato said. “We’re really excited and glad to have you on board.”

The town has two additional interviews scheduled for later this month as it continues assembling the department under Interim Chief Constable Jason Sarnoff.

Officials said the town’s patrol vehicles are nearly finished at the outfitter and will next go to Goosetown Communications for radio equipment. The town is aiming to begin regular patrols in October, although officials cautioned that the schedule depends on completing the vehicles and training new personnel.

New officers will undergo firearms, Taser, pepper-spray and other required training. They will initially patrol alongside experienced officers before working independently.

“You can’t really rush along or accelerate any of that,” Pizzolato said.

The board also adopted a function-based compensation schedule for constabulary members. Under the resolution, officers will be paid according to their assigned duties rather than their titles alone.

Court-security constables will receive $26 per hour, with a minimum of two and a half hours for each court assignment. Patrol constables will earn $30 per hour, while senior constables will earn $31.50.

The schedule sets rates of $33.08 for patrol supervisors and $35.72 for the operations commander when officers are assigned to those responsibilities.

The town projects approximately $78,540.80 in annual constabulary wages.

Officials compared that figure with approximately $100,000 in labor costs for contracted coverage from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. They later clarified that the difference does not necessarily represent $20,000 in total savings because the town must also pay for vehicles, equipment, insurance, communications and other expenses associated with operating the department.

Town officials said grants have helped offset some of those startup costs.

The board also created a specialized court-security constable position for officers assigned to Highland Justice Court. The position remains subject to review by the Sullivan County Attorney’s Office and classification by the county’s Civil Service Department.

Officials said the county already has job descriptions for court attendants and court officers, but neither fits squarely within a town constabulary. The town and county are working to ensure that the new position does not conflict with existing county titles.

The board conditionally appointed Patrick Vignette and Vincent Harley as court-security constables, pending completion of the county review.

Highland began rebuilding its constabulary after ending its agreement with the Sheriff’s Office for dedicated patrol coverage. Town officials have said the local department will give Highland greater control over scheduling and allow it to tailor coverage to the community’s needs.