Algonquin hires village manager from Lockport
Algonquin officials hired a new village manager Tuesday night, one they hope will be around for at least as long as their current village manager, who is retiring after 21 years.
By a unanimous vote, the village board tapped Timothy Schloneger, the city administrator in Lockport, to lead Algonquin into the future. Schloneger’s first day in Algonquin will be Feb. 18. He will replace Bill Ganek, who was hired as village administrator in 1992 and later became village manager. Ganek announced his retirement in July.
“That’s the reason that we deliberated for so long because we’re looking for someone that we felt would fit this village and where our goals are and be here for 20 years,” Village President John Schmitt said.
Schloneger did not attend Tuesday night’s meeting but said in a statement that he said he’s excited to get to work.
“I am looking forward to becoming part of such an energetic, proactive and visionary organization,” Schloneger said. “It is clear that those serving in Algonquin care about the community and work well together.”
The village board met in a nine-minute closed session Tuesday to finalize Schloneger’s employment agreement. The Lockport resident will make $165,000 a year, receive four weeks vacation, a car to use for village business and a $400 annual car allowance.
While in Lockport, where he’s been for six years, Schloneger worked closely with the city’s financial management and economic development operations. He’s credited with improving the city’s bond rating, developing financing for its capital improvement program and negotiating development agreements. He also has municipal experience in Lemont and Romeoville.
Schloneger was among 75 people who applied for the position of village manager in Algonquin. Village officials hired Voorhees Associates of Deerfield to advertise the job and to conduct the search for applicants. Officials interviewed 11 candidates and winnowed that down to seven or eight finalists, Ganek said.
Schmitt was most impressed with Schloneger’s attention to detail and his understanding of the job, which involves juggling trustee and resident demands, managing staff members and fitting everyone’s needs within the confines of a budget.
Ganek makes about $200,000 a year and will continue to work for the Algonquin during Schloneger’s transition. He’ll stay on for as long as he’s needed, he said Tuesday.