The clock is ticking down to the time Bloomington City Manager David Hales leaves, and the Bloomington City Council has not yet chosen an interim for the post, in spite of two executive sessions on the topic.
"This is not what cities usually spend time on. They usually have an assistant who steps up to the plate while they hire the more long-term city manager. That's where we should be putting our effort," said Mayor Tari Renner.
"We will meet the timeline, because we have to," said Ward 5 Alderman Joni Painter.
"This is not what cities usually spend time on."
Ward 8 Alderman Diana Hauman noted a third executive session is planned for Oct. 23.
"We are being deliberative in selecting our interim as he or she may serve 6-8 months while we find our new permanent city manager," said Hauman.
Renner declined to say whether there is council opposition to current Assistant City Manager Steve Rasmussen but said his view is that Rasmussen is qualified for the temporary post.
"Given that we have had two executive sessions and no decision, I will let you draw that conclusion. But I think Mr. Rasmussen is absolutely qualified to perform this job," said Renner.
"I can tell you that this council likes to be very deliberate in making its decisions, and we want to have the clearest picture of all implications before we make a decision. Ultimately, I have no doubt we will make the best decision possible within the appropriate time frame," said Ward 3 Alderman Mboka Mwilambwe.
Renner said the earliest the city can likely finalize a choice is mid-November, just a few days before Hales leaves for his new job in Joliet.
WGLT depends on financial support from users to bring you stories and interviews like this one. As someone who values experienced, knowledgeable, and award-winning journalists covering meaningful stories in central Illinois, please consider making a contribution.
