
By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON- Bloomington is losing its city manager to Joliet.
The city council in the community just south of Chicago hired David Hales at an annual salary of $215.000.
His yearly salary here was $189,000. Hales’ contract with Bloomington, set to expire in July of next year, called for him to give the city two months notice before his departure.
At Tuesday’s Joliet council meeting, Hales said he accepts the new job with pride and humility.
“I just thought it would be a dream come true, in many ways to come and join you and be part of your outstanding efforts. So I look forward to using my I’m many many years of experience and talents to assist you,” Hales said.
Hales has been Bloomington’s city manager since 2009 when he replaced Tom Hamilton
He begins his new job in Joliet the Monday before Thanksgiving.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]