The Regional Report: Aitkin police chief resigns while under investigation
Tim Catlin worked for the city of Aitkin for 39 years and was chief of police since 2014. He also served as Aitkin County sheriff 1995-99. 4:00 pm, Jan. 9, 2021 ×
Aitkin Police Chief Tim Catlin resigned late last month while on paid administrative leave during an investigation into a complaint, the Aitkin Independent Age reported Dec. 30.
The Aitkin City Council voted to accept Catlin’s resignation, but council members Erin Wagner and Leeann Moriarty opposed the motion. Wagner indicated her opposition centered on the fact the investigation into Catlin’s conduct would not continue by accepting the resignation.
Council members Erin Wagner and Leeann Moriarty opposed.
Wagner stated that she opposed accepting the resignation because it would prevent the investigation of Catlin from moving forward.
The council vote allows Catlin to retire with his full pension and one year of group health insurance through the city, for which he will continue to pay his share of the premium.
The council also passed a motion accepting a separation agreement that included a release and waiver of all claims Catlin might have against the city. Moriarty opposed.
 City Administrator Rose Beverly urged the council to accept the proposal, âin the interest of avoiding potential arbitration or litigation costs and further diputes, which would be expensive and time consuming for the city.â
The Aitkin City Council approved its budget and levy resolutions Dec. 7.
The city of Aitkin budget committee proposal put forward in September reflects the $130,000 loss suffered by the city. The $1,370,276Â levy, which is a 14.73% increase over 2020, would help replace some of that loss of revenue.
The finance committee met recently to go through the budget line by line and could find no surplus anywhere in the budget, said council member Leeann Moriarty.
Council member Kathy Galliger said that even with the levy, there will be a need to be careful with city finances this year.
After approving the budget and levy resolutions, the council discussed reducing liquor license fees for businesses selling alcohol, because they continue to suffer losses due to the COVID-19 âpauseâ.