Butler could have new police and fire department chiefs in a few short weeks.

Mayor Ben Smith said there is a “better than 50/50” chance he could announce the appointment of a police chief at the Oct. 25 City Council meeting.

Smith began interviewing candidates for the job shortly after former Chief Ron Brown retired on July 31. He has said he is not planning to hire a deputy chief to replace former Deputy Chief Dave Adam, who retired Aug. 23.

The mayor has the authority to appoint a police chief without council’s approval, but Smith said he will tell council members who he plans to appoint.

“I do want to at least inform council. If four oppose it could cause reconsideration, but I don’t think that will be the case,” Smith said.

Read more about this story in Thursday’s Butler Eagle.