Payson chief resigns his post

PAYSON — Payson's police chief Dee Rowland has resigned his post.

"He was not fired. He resigned," City Administrator Andy Hall said.

Had he been fired — as rumors persist — the City Council and mayor would have had to take that action, Councilman Brad Daley said.

Rowland issued a letter of resignation dated Feb. 7. He didn't give a reason, officials say.

The police chief is a political appointment, subject to approval by the mayor and council, Hall said. Under an ordinance enacted in October 2003 the mayor has the authority to make political appointments, which are then ratified by the council.

Hall hires and fires non-political appointments, which includes most department heads.

City leaders are being cautious because of instability in the police force, which has had two police chiefs in three years, Hall said.

Rowland became Payson's top cop in August 2002 after retiring from the Murray Police Department as commander of the detective division. He replaced Chief Mike Openshaw, who retired. Rowland couldn't be reached for comment.

Evans will propose the name of a new police chief tonight for the council to consider. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 439 W. Utah Ave.