New administrator among East Dundee staffing changes

As Bob Skurla retires from his role as village administrator, East Dundee officials are reorganizing the village's staffing structure to more efficiently manage future growth.

Jennifer Johnsen, who was hired in October as deputy village administrator, has been promoted to serve as Skurla's successor. In that position, she will also absorb the duties of former economic development consultant Doug Bergren, whose recently expired contract was not renewed, Village President Lael Miller said.

"It's like any other team; you've got to keep adjusting as you go," Miller said. "The village will be in a better, stronger position after this."

Following an executive session Monday, the village board voted 4-2 to approve a four-year employment agreement with Johnsen, effective immediately. Her annual salary will start at $145,000, plus benefits, and is expected to increase by about 3 percent each year, the deal states.

Trustees Alan Hall and Scott Andresen, who was sworn in at the same meeting, voted against the measure. They did not provide an explanation ahead of the vote, though Andresen earlier indicated he wanted to table some agenda items so he could review them more completely. He did vote in favor of Johnsen's appointment, a separate motion that received a 5-1 vote.

Johnsen, a former Campton Hills administrator, has spent the past several months familiarizing herself with the new position, Miller said. "Jennifer brings a fresh perspective that will allow us to succeed with the many challenges we face going forward," he said. "I am confident in her leadership skills."

Trustees on Monday also approved a separation agreement with Skurla, whose contract expired Sunday. Faced with health issues, he is opting to take an unpaid leave of absence before retiring later this year, Miller said.

Skurla previously served as economic development consultant until he was hired in 2011 as interim village administrator. He assumed the permanent position a year later.

"Without Bob's experience, we would not have been able to accomplish anywhere near what we have in the last four years," Miller said. "We are grateful for his hard work and dedication."

Additionally, the village's wastewater superintendent, Adam Peters, was appointed to interim public works director. He is replacing Jim Kelly, who was a part-time consultant for the village until his contract recently ended.

Though efficiency was the primary reason for the staffing changes, Miller said he also expects they will save money in the long-run.

"We're always looking for ways to economize, and some of these positions were duplicated and can be handled by other staff at this point," Miller said. "East Dundee is going through a period of growth right now, and we need to transition to some different staffing to be able to prepare for that."