PEKIN, Ill. (25 News) – The Pekin City Council has chosen Pekin Police Chief John Dossey to become the next city manager despite criticism about the process that led to Dossey’s selection.
The council voted 4-2 with one abstention to approve Dossey’s appointment. Earlier, Mayor Mary Burress broke a tie to defeat a motion that would have delayed consideration of Dossey’s contract for two weeks.
“He has done an outstanding job for this community, for our city. He has pulled staff together, uplifted morale,” said Burress.
“I can’t even tell you everything that he has done in a short three months,” the mayor also said.
Dossey has served as interim city manager for the past three months after the council fired Dossey’s two predecessors. Dossey has continued as the city’s police chief during that time, but will soon relinquish his law enforcement role.
Council members complained they just received Dossey’s contract Monday morning, and due diligence wasn’t done to consider other candidates’ resumes.
“We get something at the last minute again, and I just absolutely hate that,” said Council member Dave Nutter, who wound up voting for Dossey.
Council members Becky Cloyd and Lloyd Orrick voted against Dossey’s appointment, and Rick Hilst abstained, citing a faulty selection process.
Orrick also questioned why Dossey won’t start his new role until Nov. 6. The mayor said Dossey can use that time to train the next police chief.
Council member Karen Hohimer said Dossey is “a great fit” for Pekin. Dossey’s salary is $170,000, which he’s making now as police chief and interim city manager.
