Selectmen are expected to sign a contract with the appointed police chief on Monday night. This week, Town Manager Charles J. Cristello and Lt. Bruce D. Gates reached an accord and now it’s up to selectmen to ratify the four-year contract.

Gates was appointed to replace Gary J. Russell, who retired this month. In 2008, Russell was the fourth-highest paid town employee in the region, making $175,884. Between details, career incentive and overtime Gates made $119,360 in 2008 and will make $124,000 the first year of his contract.

Cristello said the contract requires Gates to pay 25 percent of his health insurance and his sick leave buy back to be capped at 271 days valued at $22,850. Other provisions include 30 days vacation a year, his own car, a $1,000 clothing allowance and the stipulation Gates remain a Middleboro resident.

Updated information can be found on EnterpriseNews.com.

Source: Enterprise News, June 27, 2009 and July 1, 2009.