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Wasco council adopts employment contract for new police chief and approves two patrol vehicles
Summary
The Wasco City Council approved an employment agreement for Talesho Mora to become police chief effective Sept. 3 and authorized purchase of two fully equipped Ford utility interceptors not to exceed $160,000, both measures passing 4-0 with one member absent.
The Wasco City Council on Tuesday adopted an employment agreement naming Talesho Mora as the city’s new police chief and authorized a purchase order for two fully equipped police SUVs.
The council voted 4-0, with Council Member Reina absent, to adopt the employment agreement effective Sept. 3 and to award a purchase order to Phil Long Ford of Denver for two Ford utility interceptors, lighting and upfitting, in an amount not to exceed $160,000.
The employment contract for Talesho Mora was described by City Attorney Scott Horber as a standard agreement that “very closely mirrors the current chief’s contract.” Horber told the council the starting salary in the draft contract represents about a 10% premium above the assistant chief’s salary. He said the contract is set to take effect on Sept. 3, the day after the council’s next meeting.
The vehicle purchase is funded through two grants identified in the staff presentation as a fentanyl grant and a cannabis grant. Staff described the two new vehicles as patrol units that will be “fully equipped” and intended for use by officers on the street, including planned staffing increases.
The new chief was celebrated earlier in the meeting at a badge-pinning and swearing-in event. Outgoing Chief Fivecoat spoke at the ceremony, praising Mora’s judgment and work ethic and saying Mora is “compassionate not only to the citizens that we serve, but he’s got a love for this profession.” Representatives from state and federal offices attended and presented certificates of recognition.
Council members who spoke during the ceremony praised Mora’s community engagement and succession planning. Council Member Martinez said Mora had played a central role in building the department and thanked him for work “behind the scenes.” Mayor Pro Tem Saldana and others echoed congratulations and urged continued community-oriented policing.
Also discussed during the public safety portion of the agenda were department operations and staffing: staff said the department is in the process of onboarding new officers and expects the new vehicles to be available once outfitting is complete.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution to execute a purchase order with Phil Long Ford of Denver for two Ford utility interceptors, lighting and upfitting, total not to exceed $160,000. Motion by Mayor Medina; second by Mayor Pro Tem Salania. Approved 4-0; Council Member Reina absent.
- Resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an employment agreement with Talesho Mora as chief of police (effective Sept. 3). Motion by Council Member Martinez; second by Mayor Medina. Approved 4-0; Council Member Reina absent.
The council did not provide an ordinance number or resolution numbers on the record; staff said the vehicle purchase would use the same vendor the city has used previously and that outfitting costs were separate from the vehicle quotes.
