Bloomington to begin search for new city manager

Posted on September 21, 2017

Bloomington mayor pro-tem Karen Schmidt said the city might look to hire a consultant to aid in the search for a new city manager. (Photo courtesy cityblm.org)

By Eric Stock and Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington aldermen are expected to meet soon to discuss its search for a new city manager. David Hales is leaving in November to become Joliet’s city manager.

“His ability to work with our finances and to restructure them so that we’re in a much more solid financial situation than we were when he came. He’s also hired some amazing department heads,” Bloomington alderwoman and mayor pro-tem Karen Schmidt said.

Schmidt commended Hales for his working in strengthening the city’s finances.

“He is leaving behind him a legacy, really, of people who are wonderful public servants,” Schmidt said. “Very skilled in what they do, and really a city that runs well.”

Schmidt said she expects the council will meet soon discuss the search process and she expects mayor Tari Renner to be involved in how the city moves forward. She said it’s also possible the council will hire a consultant to aid the search process.

Schmidt said Renner will likely return from his medical leave in a couple of weeks.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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