New Franklin police chief is stepping down

NEW FRANKLIN, Mo. (KMIZ)

The New Franklin police chief said Wednesday night that he is leaving the police department for another job.

In a Facebook post, police chief Mike Wise said he's leaving his position after a change to the city's insurance policy. Wise said the city had to cut back insurance in 2019 to pay for repairs to the water service.

Wise said the city offered employees $300 to pay for their own insurance. He claimed the payment was less than a third of what private insurance plans cost.

Wise told the New Franklin city council about his departure on Monday. Wise said he will continue to serve the city until his background check is approved for the new job.

The police chief did not say where the job offer came from.