Othello council hires Dunnagan as new police chief

Kittitas officer to start next week

OTHELLO — The city's new law enforcement head begins his tenure next week in Othello.

Alvia "Steve" Dunnagan was officially appointed by the Othello City Council Monday as the new permanent chief of the Othello Police Department.

The vote was a formality for the city, following Mayor Shannon McKay's selection of Dunnagan in December.

The council echoed the selection without discussion and approved Dunnagan's police chief contract with a unanimous vote.

Dunnagan starts Tuesday, Jan. 17, and said meanwhile he is reviewing city and department policies and trying to meet as many of the city's employees as he can.

"I am," Dunnagan said when asked if he's looking forward to the position. "I'm chomping at the bit."

Born in Ellensburg, Dunnagan spent much of his career in Alaska before going to work as the chief in Kittitas almost four years ago. He has spent more than 25 years in law enforcement, with time as an Alaskan State Trooper.

Dunnagan was selected from a group of six applicants to be chosen as the city's permanent chief in a second round of hiring begun at the city, following the resignation of former Chief Ron Axtman in July. The department has most recently been run by Interim Chief Jake Evans, who oversaw the department through a transition from August to December.

In approving the hiring, council members also approved a contract for Dunnagan as the executive and administrative officer of the police department. Among the provisions of that contract are a one year probationary period and a base salary of approximately $65,000 per year. He will also undergo annual performance evaluations by the city.

Also at Monday's meeting:

? Council members unanimously elected Tim Wilson to serve as mayor pro-tem.

? City officials and council members continued discussion on an ordinance limiting parking on city streets. Council members settled on language requiring removal of a vehicle from the roadway after 25 days and a five-day notification period.

? Council members discussed committee appointment at the city, and appointed Rex Robins to the Othello Planning Commission.