Macomb firefighter Dan Meyer began learning a new job on Monday, January 25. He is being trained to become the city's next fire chief.
The city council agreed to promote Meyer to the position of transitional chief at an annual salary of more than $73,572, which was the pay for the deputy fire chief before that position was eliminated.
Meyer will learn the budget process and be trained in the other duties of the chief. Mayor Mike Inman said the plan is to hire Meyer as chief when current Chief Rick Driskell retires at the end of August.
Driskell has led the department for a bit more than a year.
Also in Macomb, there is an open seat on the city council.
The Third Ward’s Annette Carper resigned, citing a conflict of interest. She is Director of the Housing Authority of McDonough County.
Mayor Mike Inman said he plans to recommend a replacement during the February 1, 2021 city council meeting.
The city council must approve the appointment.
UPDATE:
Mayor Inman announced during the January 25 city council meeting that he plans to appoint Don Wynn to the open seat on the city council. Wynn served as one of the city's at-large aldermen before narrowly losing a bid for a third full term in 2019. He served on the Macomb Park Board before joining the city council.
Inman will formally recommend Wynn during the February 1 city council meeting.
Inman said Wynn's experience will be valuable as the city begins what could prove to be a difficult budget process. The city expects the census to show a decline in population, which will in turn lead to a decline in revenues from the state and federal governments. The city also expects the pandemic to impact local tax revenues.
The city's next fiscal year begins May 1.
