PALMHURST -- Sgt. Michael Vela has some experience being an interim leader.

He is in the fourth month of a second term as acting police chief in Palmhurst, which suspended its chief of two years in September and fired him the following month for unspecified reasons.

The city has not yet moved to find a new chief, although leaders may take up the issue next month, said Mayor Ramiro Rodriguez. In the meantime, Vela, who filled in between chiefs for two months in 2007 as well, is settling into his role.

"It's been going real well," Vela said. "(It's) busy, you have to wear a lot of hats when you're in this position. It's not just the chief - you're also the investigator, the patrolman.

"Some chiefs, they're just administrators."

Former chief Ron Cooper, meanwhile, is continuing his lawsuit against the city, alleging retaliatory treatment by city council members. He is scheduled for trial in federal court in May.

Cooper's complaint against councilor Janie Cantu-Cabrera led to months of bickering and infighting on the council, roiling the usually quiet city of 5,000 north of Mission.

Despite its history of rancor, Vela said he would like to apply for the permanent position when it becomes available.

Sara Perkins covers Mission, western Hidalgo County, Starr County and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4472.