OPELOUSAS, La. (AP) – The Opelousas Board of Aldermen has agreed to allow new Police Chief Donald Thompson to hire former Mayor Anna Simmons as an attorney and consultant to the police department.

The Advocate reports the board approved the request on a 5-1 vote Tuesday even though Jarvis Claiborne, the city’s new attorney, said he’s been hired to represent both the police department and the city.

Thompson said the $28,000 expenditure will be covered by dipping into revenue that would have been used for two officers who are retiring.

Simmons’ consulting responsibility will include training officers in handling issues that could bring about legal problems.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com