By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The partnership between new Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason and his top assistant, who once sought Gleason’s job, has come to an end after just a few months.

Gleason announced Tuesday that Assistant City Manager Steve Rasmussen has resigned, effective November 12, but he’ll be on vacation until then.

Rasmussen was one of three finalists to replace David Hales, who left the city manager’s post last November.

Rasmussen was interim city manager while the city council conducted a search with the help of a paid consultant.

During that time, Rasmussen guided the council through a difficult budget process in which aldermen raised fees and reduced services to overcome a deficit.

Aldermen wound up picking Gleason, who was Decatur’s city manager.

Rasmussen, who’s been with the city since 2014, said he’s enjoyed his time with the local government, but now’s the right time for him to explore another opportunity.

The city will conduct a search at some point for Rasmussen’s replacement.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]