Overview
- Barnette announced Monday that he will remain interim commissioner through the end of the year while the city begins a national search for a permanent replacement.
- The move follows a split April City Council vote that rejected Barnette’s reappointment and Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto that stopped the council from immediately removing him.
- Council critics cited slow progress on police reforms and nearly $20 million in Minneapolis Police Department overspending last year as reasons for opposing Barnette’s confirmation.
- City procedures shaped the outcome when the council deleted an agenda item and did not hold a confirming vote before the August 3 deadline, leaving the mayor able to keep Barnette as interim.
- Barnette’s stated near-term priorities include finishing the police chief search, welcoming new fire chief Reginald Freeman, overseeing the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center opening, and maintaining daily public-safety operations while the search proceeds.