A divided appointment process has set up a pivotal vote for the Coeur d’Alene City Council, as two candidates for police chief, each backed by different city leaders, heads to a decision.

Mayor Dan Gookin is recommending the appointment of Interim Police Chief Dave Hagar, while interim City Administrator Ron Jacobson is recommending Greg Yeager, deputy chief for Fort Collins police in Colorado.

“Crime is down, the police are happy, I don’t see a reason to go for an outside candidate,” Gookin said Friday.

The difference in recommendation comes from Jacobson's role as interim city administrator who, by resolution, has the power to appoint a position like police chief. However, Gookin's interpretation is that the mayor has that power.

The City Council must vote to approve the candidate.

Both action items, one for the vote on Hagar's appointment, and one for the vote of Yeager, are on Tuesday's agenda. The vote for Hagar will happen first. If the motion to approve Hagar passes, the role will officially be filled and the vote for Yeager will be rendered useless and therefore cannot be voted on. 

If the motion for the approval of Hagar does not pass, the council will then move on to the vote for Yeager.

Dave Hagar assumed the role of interim police chief since former Lee White retired in January. Hagar has been with the department about 10 years, coming from Mesa, Ariz., where he had worked with White. 

In a letter to The Press on Friday, White threw his support to Hagar.

"Dave Hagar has outstanding character and the competency to do the job extremely well, and he understands the unique challenges of policing in North Idaho," White wrote.

Councilmember Christie Wood, a retired Coeur d’Alene police sergeant, requested that the vote for Hagar be included on the agenda.

“I recognize leadership. There is no question that the morale and low crime rates under Chief Hagar are his best qualities. He is a proven leader.” said Wood. 

Hagar also has the support of the Coeur d'Alene Police Officers Association.

During a March 17 meeting, a vote to approve the appointment of Yeager was a 3-3 tie. Evans, Miller and Gabriel voted aye. Sheckler, Wood and English voted no.

Gookin declined to cast the tiebreaking vote and said Hagar would continue as interim chief. 

Sheckler has since requested the vote for Yeager be on Tuesday's agenda. 

When contacted by The Press, Sheckler declined to comment.

The City Council is scheduled to meet 6 p.m. in the Coeur d'Alene Public Library Community Room.