The Bainbridge Island City Council approved further funding the city’s temporary police chief Wednesday, to the tune of $55,000.

City Manager Doug Schulze asked the council for permission to spend the additional money to cover the cost of the interim public safety director until June, when the new police chief will take over.

The city brought Interim Public Safety Director Larry Dickerson, a former police chief from Lacey, on board in July to head the Bainbridge Island Police Department.

Last year, the council gave the green light for city officials to spend up to $112,000 on the temporary hire.

But with the costs of compensation and housing totaling $112,000 through the end of March, Schulze sought the council’s approval to keep Dickerson on the job through June 17.

The city recently hired Matthew Hamner as its new police chief, and the Indianapolis, Ind., resident is expected to start work on June 10.

To cover the costs of its interim public safety director until Hamner takes over, the council granted Schulze further budgetary authority. An additional $55,000 was approved for the remainder of Dickerson’s services.

The expenses for the interim position will now total $167,000 through June 17.

Dickerson stepped into the role of interim public safety director shortly after former police chief Jon Fehlman was absent from the department due to medical issues.