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McLouth police chief retires

By Shawn Linenberger - | May 14, 2008

Tom Burns officially is no longer with the McLouth Police Department.

Mayor Mike Graveman announced Burns’ retirement at the May 6 City Council meeting. Graveman said Burns informed him earlier Tuesday of his retirement.

In March, Graveman put Burns on a four-day suspension. However, at the next city council meeting, four days later, Burns still was not on the job.

Graveman declined to discuss whether Burns returned to the job before announcing his retirement.

Danny Ruff, a Tonganoxie police officer, has been serving as interim police chief.

On Tuesday, when annual appointments were made for city employees, Ruff retained his position as interim police chief.

Also at the meeting, Kim Perry was appointed to a vacant council seat that had remained open since last June when Graveman moved from council president to mayor. He replaced then-mayor Gary Royer, who stepped down for job-related relations.

However, another position now is vacant. Myra Harwood, who was elected last April, sent a letter of resignation to Graveman earlier this week and it was announced at Tuesday’s meeting.

“I’m very interested in getting that one filled as well,” Graveman said about the newly vacant seat.

Utility rates reduced

In other business at the council meeting, the council approved lower utility rates.

Water utility rates were approved at $20, a reduction of $6, and new sewer rates are $30, a reduction of $5. Those rates are for the first 1,000 gallons of use. For each additional 1,000 gallons used, there will be an additional $8 for water and $4 for sewer.

City Clerk Nicole Willits said she anticipates that the new rates will go into effect in June.