By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Longtime Marion police chief Tyler Mermis’ last day patrolling the streets of the city was Tuesday.

Mermis’ letter of resignation, dated Monday, was given to city council members at their Tuesday meeting. The letter was succinct.

“I am writing this letter to give you my two weeks’ notice before my final date of working for the City of Marion,” the letter reads. “My final date of employment with the Marion Police Department will be Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018. Thank you for the opportunity to serve such a wonderful community such as Marion for the past 10 years.”

Mayor Todd Heitschmidt said the council understands his reason for leaving and that his separation was effective immediately. He thanked Mermis for his time with Marion.

“We wish you and your family all the best in your future endeavors,” Heitschmidt said.

“Due to the losses in my family, I need to be more of a parent to my kids,” Mermis said.

Mermis said he is going to work for a business.

Heitschmidt said Mermis will work out of Wichita but continue to live in Marion.

Assistant police chief Clinton Jeffries was appointed interim police chief.

In other matters, council members made no decision on which accounting firm to hire as city auditors.

Representatives from Adams Brown Beran and Ball, Lindburg Vogel Pierce Faris, and the city’s current auditor Swindoll Janzen Hawk and Loyd attended the meeting, but all left empty-handed when a split vote meant a tie.

Heitschmidt, and council member Susan Gray both voted to rehire Swindoll Janzen Hawk and Loyd, council member Chris Costello voted against the motion because the firm’s bid was higher, and council member John Wheeler abstained because of a conflict of interest. The result was a tie vote.

Heitschmidt instructed city administrator Roger Holter to bring new information to the next meeting.