By Greg Halbleib

BLOOMINGTON – The choice as the next Bloomington city manager holds a similar role in Decatur.

Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner, joined by several council members, announced Tim Gleason as the choice to take over as Bloomington city manager. Gleason is in his fourth year as city manager in Decatur after serving as Washington city manager for two and a half years, including the time when much of that city was destroyed by a tornado. Renner pointed to Gleason’s work during that crisis as one reason for his selection.

Gleason said he considers Bloomington to be a sought-after community, and pursued the job even though he’d just received an extension in Decatur.

“I’m a Central Ilinois kid, so I’ve known Bloomington and Normal my entire life,” Gleason said. “Professionally, this was a great opportunity. Bloomington is a premier community within the state of Illinois and very desirable to any city manager.”

Gleason fills the city manager role left vacant by David Hales, who left to become the city manager in Joliet in late November of last year.

Bloomington Assistant City Manager Steve Rasmussen served as interim city manager during the search. Rasmussen was one of three finalists for the Bloomington position. Mayor Tari Renner says Rasmussen remains on staff as assistant city manager, a role he’s had since 2014, and will fill an important role in the transition.

Gleason said one primary challenge is similar to ones he’s handled in his previous city manager roles in Decatur and Washington–managing finances.

“You can’t lump all of the challenges into one box, but revenue and economic development challenges are not dissimilar in any community,” Gleason said.

The pending contract calls for a salary of $185,000. The city council is expected to give formal approval next Monday. Gleason’s first day on the job is expected to be July 23.