By Steve Kemme
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LOCKLAND - In a move that confused some residents, City Council this week yanked $70,000 reserved for the vacant police chief's position from this year's appropriations to obtain a balanced budget.

Some residents interpreted this as abolishing the police chief's position.

But Mayor Jim Brown said the village plans to hire a police chief to replace Ken Johnson, who resigned in January.

"We didn't cut anything, and we don't plan to cut anything," Brown said.

The city might be able to fund the new chief's position from the $900,000 currently in the police budget, he said.

Councilman Jerry Raby, chairman of the finance committee, said if necessary, council can restore all or part the $70,000 to cover the new police chief's salary and benefits for the rest of this year.

Brown said he is interviewing police chief candidates and expects to fill the job between mid-April and mid-May.

Lockland has been struggling financially because of the loss of businesses and shrinking state and federal funding.

Because of Lockland's serious financial problems, the Ohio Auditor's Office placed the village on "fiscal watch" status in September.

Lockland has maintained control over its finances, but receives free financial, technical and support services from the state.

E-mail skemme@enquirer.com