Chief's salary settled

Grand Coulee police Chief John Tufts has accepted a salary offer made by the city council.

The salary question was delayed earlier because Tufts was out of town on vacation, and also because Mayor Chris Christopherson hadn’t had an opportunity to talk with the chief before he left on his vacation break.

The issue was on the agenda when the council had its meeting two weeks ago and it appeared to be just a formality. The council had asked if the mayor had talked to Tufts and when he said no, members delayed voting on the matter.

Proposed was a salary of $8,518.61 a month, the same amount former police chief Mel Hunt had received; and the same amount being paid Tufts while he served as interim chief and since he was named chief a few weeks ago.

The issue easily passed council Tuesday night.

Tufts formerly was a sergeant and he has been in the department for over 30 years.