Hillsboro is looking for a new city administrator.
Jesse Wallis, who held that job for the past seven years, resigned effective April 8.
Wallis, 44, turned in a letter of resignation to Mayor Buddy Russell that day, and the city’s Board of Alderpersons voted 7-0 on April 10 to accept the resignation and begin the search for a new city administrator. Ward 3 Alderwoman Nancy Maxwell was absent from the meeting.
Wallis was earning an $85,654 annual salary as city administrator.
Russell said Elizabeth Vreeland, city clerk, would serve as the interim city administrator while Jason Daniels, the city’s building inspector, will be the interim assistant city administrator.
While working as the interim city administrator, Vreeland’s hourly pay rate will increase from $33.16 per hour to $43.46 an hour, and Daniel’s hourly rate will be bumped from $28.28 an hour to $38.58 per hour.
“We’ll be OK,” Russell said. “She (Vreeland) knows everything that’s going on in the office, and Jason knows what’s going on out in the field.”
Wallis mentioned conversations that led to his decision to leave.
“I have had conversations with the mayor and others about changes that needed to be made to keep moving the city forward,” Wallis said in a written statement. “During these conversations, I realized that it may be best for the greater good if I were to step aside as city administrator.”
Russell also talked about those conversations with Wallis.
“We had a lot of discussions about the city and its future,” the mayor said.
Asked whether those discussions led to Wallis’ resignation, Russell stopped short.
“You could get God in on the discussion and you’d have a disagreement,” he said. “Two people are not always going to see eye to eye. I would just say it’s a mutual parting of the ways. We chose to go in different directions.”
Wallis said he did not leave Hillsboro for another opportunity.
“No, I did not leave to take another job,” he said. “I’m not sure what the future holds. I am optimistic that everything will be OK.”
Wallis, who lives in the Festus area, said he indicated to city officials he would be willing to work with them in other roles, but it doesn’t appear that’s going to happen.
“The board decided that they would accept the letter as a full resignation,” Wallis said. “Though painful for me, I accept their decision. I’m sad as I have met a lot of great people with wonderful talents that, when used in a positive way, can be a great benefit to the city. I hold no animosity or bitterness toward anyone. I am still willing to help in any way they feel would be appropriate.”
Russell, too, said he viewed the parting as collegial.
“It’s not a bad departure. He gave us a very good resignation letter and I would be happy to give him a good recommendation for his next position,” Russell said. “He taught me a lot about what being a mayor is about, what I can and can’t do.
“He had a good run for us. I have nothing bad to say about him. I consider him a friend, but there’s a difference between friendship and professionalism. I believe this was handled in a professional manner.”
The board agreed to begin advertising for the position, and Russell said Vreeland and Daniels are welcome to apply for the job.
“Either one of them could apply for the position as well if they want to,” he said.
Russell said he and the board have no set time frame to hire a replacement.
Wallis was hired as the Hillsboro city administrator in September 2017 to replace Gery Marmaduke who retired. Previously, Wallis was the Public Works director for Pevely.