FORKS — The selection of a new police chief is taking longer than previously expected, but it will be complete by the end of the year, Mayor Bryon Monohon said last week.
Monohon had said that he expected the field of 13 candidates to be narrowed to three finalists by Sept. 24.
He said Friday that the process has been delayed because of other priorities for the city of Forks, such as budget planning.
Monohon said he couldn’t say when the final three will be selected, but that he expects a new chief to be hired by January.
When he took office at the beginning of the year, Monohon fired Police Chief Mike Powell to bring “new leadership to the Forks Police Department.”
Deputy Chief Lloyd Lee has filled the position since.
Monohon said he intends to hold public meetings to allow Forks residents to ask questions of the finalists.
The salary range for the new police chief is between $51,000 and $72,000.
The salary for Powell, who had been chief for 10 years, had reached $77,000.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
