SAN BERNARDINO - Police chief candidates will be interviewed by the City Council on Sept. 14, Mayor Pat Morris announced at the council meeting Tuesday.The announcement came before the the council voted to extend outgoing Police Chief Keith Kilmer's transitional services contract, which was approved on a 5-2 decision, with council members Chas Kelley and Wendy McCammack dissenting.
Kilmer, who announced his retirement in March, has stayed with the city on an interim basis and has been paid an hourly rate while the search for a new police chief continues.
Kilmer's initial transitional services contract was scheduled to run out on Sept. 1, and the council's decision extends it through Nov. 7 or until a new chief is hired.
Bob Murray and Associates, a Roseville-based recruiting firm, has conducted the search for a new chief on behalf of Morris' office.
Under the City Charter, the mayor appoints a police chief, subject to the approval of the council.
Two people have been identified as finalists - Santa Barbara Police Chief Cam Sanchez and Phoenix police Cmdr. Robert Handy.
The council's decision to extend Kilmer's agreement didn't come without some controversy.
According to a staff report, the city will save up to $9,962 under the agreement because Kilmer is taking an hourly wage with no benefits.
But McCammack, who has criticized the selection process, saying the council should have been more