Bellevue's police chief is being allowed to retire to take a new job with the city. The Bellevue City Council voted Tuesday night to allow Police Chief Mark Elbert to retire at the end of the year and then become the city's community development director.
Elbert was previously placed on administrative leave for about a year after the city's police union accused him of being dishonest and deceptive, but a review found the allegations had no merit.
Elbert says city employees defamed and harassed him. To avoid a lawsuit, the city council approved the settlement allowing him to retire as police chief and take the new job. He will also receive $6,500 a month for the rest of his life beginning in 2023 when he turns 55.