Moore

BLACKFOOT — Longtime Blackfoot Police Chief R. David Moore is planning to retire.

He recently submitted a letter to Blackfoot City officials informing them of his plans to step down from his position as of May 31, and Mayor Mike Virtue made the announcement official during the city council’s meeting on Tuesday night.

“I would like to congratulate the Chief on his decision. (There comes a time) for all of us to do something different,” Virtue said after reading the announcement on Tuesday.

He thanked Moore for his service, professionalism and support over the years, and said he plans to follow his recommendation and appoint Capt. Kurt Asmus as the interim chief at the appropriate time.

Moore said Tuesday that he has served in the position for 16 years and feels it’s time to move on.

“I’ve been through three prosecutors and three sheriffs,” he said. “I’ve been here a long time for a chief.”

Moore said he feels good about what they’ve been able to accomplish at the department over the years, and is comfortable with retiring now, especially since Asmus will be taking over as the interim chief.

“I couldn’t have done (what I’ve done) without him,” he said.

Asmus has worked at the Blackfoot Police Department since 1991, and has been serving as the captain since 2002. He said Tuesday that he is humbled by the opportunity to follow in Moore’s footsteps, and is looking forward to serving as the interim chief.

“The men and women I work with at the police department are all excellent,” he said.

Although Moore is retiring, he won’t be leaving law enforcement completely behind. He said he has been asked to continue working for the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association on a part-time basis.

City council members said Tuesday that they appreciate all that Moore has done in his position, including starting a resource officer program at the high school.

“I thank you for all of your service to the city and school,” said Councilman Rich Woodfin.

Aside from Moore’s retirement, the council also discussed several other items on Tuesday night.

They approved some fee increases at the golf course. The cost will go up 50 cents to play nine holes, and $1 for 18 holes. The cost of season passes, coupon books and cart use and storage will also increase to help cover the cost of rising expenses.

During it’s meeting on Tuesday, the city council also listened to an audit report by Morgan Hatt, who told them the city’s finances are in good standing.

“The city has done an excellent job of controlling expenses,” he said, adding that revenues increased in 2012 for the first time in years, although the city still has $400,000 less than it did when the economy went down hill.

Virtue said he credits the department heads for helping the city to stay in the black.

“Accolades go to the department managers. They’re the ones who control the budget,” he said, adding that Blackfoot hasn’t seen a property tax increase since 2008 and has had only minor utility adjustments in recent years.