Norfolk City Council OKs settlements with police chief, two others

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Norfolk City Council voted Monday to approve settlements with three high-ranking members of the city’s police department.

The council approved each agreement by a vote of 7-0, with one councilman abstaining because he has family on the force.

Chief Don Miller, Capt. Chad Reiman and Lt. Josh Bauermeister will all retire on Dec. 31 and receive a payout.

SEE ALSO: Norfolk Police chief, two others will retire under settlement with city

The settlements stem from an investigation into the department’s work environment.

The city has not commented on the results of the investigation, but officials said Monday that the agreements were necessary for the police department to move forward.

“To say that our police division has been through a lot over the course of the last four months is an understatement,” City Administrator Andy Calvin said. “That the division has remained continuity of operations is a tribute to the talented and committed officers in our force. But the reality is that since 2019, the department has endured the exit of 19 officers from a sworn staff of nearly 40.”

SEE ALSO: Norfolk police chief, captain on administrative leave due to work environment investigation

Miller will be paid $408,000 under his settlement, Reiman will get $250,000 and Bauermeister will receive $150,000.

They will also all be compensated for unused paid time off.