Palouse hikes pay offer in search for police officer

The city of Palouse has increased the wage listing in its search for a new police officer.

Approved Nov. 14 as part of an overall city wage raise package for the 2018 budget, the new rate to be offered is $44,000 per year, up six percent. The new officer would join after the retirement of Joe Merry, whose last day is Nov. 28.

“I think they are being competitive,” said Palouse Police Chief Jerry Neumann, of the city council’s move. “We’re getting better. They want quality personnel. Palouse is a community that cares, and it shows.”

Palouse first advertised the job opening in September, receivin...