The twists and turns of hiring a police chief for Rhinelander ended Monday night as the city council unanimously approved the salary and benefits for Lloyd Gauthier.
Part of the roll call to approve the hiring and Mayor Dick Johns.....
"....(roll call all aye Mayor Johns) .."it's over Lloyd, you're in...." (applause)
Following the departure of Michael Steffes last fall, the City Police and Fire Commission narrowed the finalists to two local candidates, Gauthier and Interim Chief Captain Ron Lueneburg, and David Funkhouser, City of Kiel Chief. Funkhouser was offered the job but could not come to a contract agreement with the city and withdrew.
The Commission met recently in closed session and named Gauthier, a Captain in the Oneida County Sheriff's Office. Gauthier worked as a city police officer until going over to the sheriff's department.
Finance Committee Chair Mark Pelletier said Gauthier's contract was similar to the one offered Funkhouser...
"....we came into Lloyd with(a similar) offer as we did their(Commission)first pick, David Funkhouser. One thing different we didn't offer moving expenses as Mr. Gauthier is a resident of the area...."
Gauthier's salary will be just under $82,000 plus benefits. He said he grew up in the city thanked the council and mayor for putting their confidence in him.
The city is also looking for a Finance Director as Julie Ostrander has taken a job in Lodi, Wisconsin and City Administrator Assistant Kathy Johnson, who has retired.
