METHUEN - The Methuen Police Department has become so "untenable and dysfunctional" that Mayor William Manzi said he's ready to take action against Chief Joseph Solomon.

"The situation as I see it is not a tenable one. It's a situation that cannot be allowed to continue," Manzi said. "The community is in an uproar. The department is dysfunctional. ... My prior decision to wait has changed."

Manzi stopped short of saying whether he plans to discipline or replace Solomon or what his timetable is for action. Manzi said he has to determine "the best course for the Police Department" and "all options are on the table."

Manzi said tensions in the department have boiled to the point where he's unable to do his job and the positives in the city are overshadowed by Police Department turmoil. He also said he's concerned public safety in the city is being compromised.

"The politics can't be allowed to continue," Manzi said yesterday. "I'm no longer in a position as mayor to say the community can wait. I don't believe the community will be satisfied by me just saying I'm going to allow the situation to continue unfettered."

Manzi said he's now seeking advice from "public safety professionals" regarding the department's future. As of yesterday, he also hadn't talked to Solomon about the pending action, he said.

Solomon, when asked for comment, referred calls to his attorney, Andrew Gambaccini.

"I have no idea how to comment on that," Gambaccini said yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday's comments were Manzi's harshest words to date regarding the management of the Police Department, which in the past year has been the focus of a federal investigation. Solomon was suspended for three days last April for allegedly misspending $23,000 in grant money. An appeal of that suspension is scheduled next month.

This summer, the Department of Justice also asked for another explanation - this time on how $170,000 in grant money was spent. The city is waiting for a response but could be found liable for paying that money back as well.

Solomon this week filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming leaders lacked legal basis to cut his $158,295 annual pay by $25,610 after his contract elapsed in June. A hearing will be held in Lawrence Superior Court tomorrow that could force the city to reinstate his pay until a formal hearing is held.

Yesterday, during the hourlong meeting with The Eagle-Tribune, Manzi said he's changed his previous view that changes in the Police Department could "wait."

He said the "continued political debacle, day after day" in the department is hampering his work.

"The truth of the matter is, I can't do my job under current conditions. I'm working 12 to 14 hour days and I can't get it done. ... This topic is everywhere in the city," Manzi said.

He pointed to a variety of other city issues - the need for a new high school, continued development of The Loop shopping district on Pleasant Valley Street and development of a master plan - which are hidden by the Police Department's constant woes.

"We have a story to tell but it's getting obscured by some of the nonsense," Manzi said.

Manzi's announcement drew varied reactions from police officers.

Patrolmen's Union President Joseph Aiello said Manzi's comments caught him by surprise.

"I don't want to comment on anything the mayor has to say right now," Aiello said.

Lt. Michael Wnek, president of the Superior Officers Union, would not comment.

Numerous officers questioned about Manzi's plans cited a department policy which prohibits them from speaking to the press without authorization from the chief.

Solomon was first hired as a patrolman in 1986. He was promoted to interim chief in 2002 and named permanent chief in 2003.

Staff reporter Stephanie Chelf contributed to this article.

Staff reporter Jill Harmacinski can be reached at 978-946-2209 or at JHarmacinski@eagletribune.com.

* October 2006: The Eagle-Tribune reveals federal investigation into Methuen Police Department.

* March 2007: City ordered to repay $30,000 in grant money. The payment is later reduced to $23,000. Solomon is suspended by Mayor William Manzi for three days.

* May 2007: City Council votes "no confidence" in the chief by a 5-3 vote.

* June 2007: Solomon attends a City Council meeting, demands end to the personal attacks.

* June 2007: Solomon's contract with the city expires.

* July 2007: Federal government sends Methuen another letter, this time asking for $170,000 in grant money back. The city appeals.

* September 2007: No longer under contract, the City Council reduces Solomon's $158,295 salary by $25,610. Solomon files suit claiming city had no legal basis to cut his pay.

* Tomorrow: A hearing in Lawrence Superior Court to determine whether Solomon should get his pay reinstated.