East Dundee appoints interim public works director

East Dundee has appointed a new interim public works director while officials continue their search for a permanent department leader.

The village board voted 5-1 Monday to approve a roughly two-month contract with staffing firm GovTempsUSA for the temporary placement of Phil Cotter to the position. Trustees also unanimously accepted his appointment, effective immediately.

"I'm excited to be here and anxious to get started," said Cotter, who is also a contender for the permanent position.

East Dundee will pay GovTempsUSA $56 per hour for Cotter's services, 40 percent of which will go directly to the temp agency, Village Administrator Jennifer Johnsen said. He is expected to work about 40 hours per week, she said, noting the village would be required to pay $84 per hour for overtime.

Though in favor of hiring an interim director before making final staffing decisions, Trustee Scott Andresen said the agency's 40-percent fee caused him to cast the lone "no" vote against the contract.

"I thought the fee was excessive," said Andresen, who later voted in favor of Cotter's appointment. "That was my sole concern."

Johnsen said GovTempsUSA is a reputable temp agency for municipal executives and does not require the village to pay for taxes, insurance or other benefits. The contract is in effect until Dec. 8, at which point the village could extend it another two months to bridge the gap before a permanent director begins, she said.

"This is temporary ... and it's well within the village's budget," Johnsen said. "The value of the decisions that need to be made are worth the price to pay."

Cotter is replacing Adam Peters, who was appointed to the interim position in May after the village didn't renew a deal with a part-time consultant. Peters submitted his letter of resignation last week and is stepping down Oct. 27, Johnsen said.

East Dundee is recruiting through Oct. 20 for the permanent public works director spot, which is expected to have a starting salary of roughly $110,000, plus benefits, according to a job posting. Johnsen said the village is on track to fill the position by January.