Published: October 23, 2009 09:59 pm      

Eufaula police chief reinstated

EUFAULA — The Eufaula City Council has reinstated the town's police chief, who was suspended last month.

City councilors voted to reinstate Don Murray during a lengthy special meeting on Wednesday requested by Mayor Dean Smith. He must follow an improvement plan developed by the mayor and two council members.

Murray has denied allegations that he mismanaged the police department budget and made purchasing violations.

Murray has said the move to fire him by the mayor was retaliatory because his office was involved in investigations and arrests that resulted in embezzlement by a public officer charges being filed against Smith.

Smith has said the charges and Murray’s suspension are unrelated.

The mayor also faces alcohol-related charges from 2008.