Bollinger now interim public works director

Southeast Missourian

JACKSON, Mo. -- Rodney Bollinger, who has been the superintendent of the Jackson Building and Planning Department since 1997, is now the city's interim public works director as well.

Jim Roach has been fulfilling the duties of both public works director and city administrator since his appointment to the latter job in June. Roach was hired as public works director in 1997.

Bollinger will fulfill the roles of both public works director and building and planning supervisor until Roach decides whether to hire him permanently and a new building and planning supervisor can be employed.

Roach said the interim period probably will last six months.

A 1991 graduate of Southeast, Bollinger has been employed by the city since 1986. His long commitment to the city and the fact that they already have a good working relationship were the two most important factors that led him to pick Bollinger for the job, Roach said. Bollinger's salary requirements also were within the city's range, which wasn't true of all the other five candidates Roach considered highly qualified.

Bollinger is being hired on an interim basis because the city administrator wants to make sure he is a fit for the job and that the job suits him as well.

"They both felt making him interim would give him the opportunity to prove himself," Mayor Paul Sander said.

The approach means Bollinger could remain in his planning and zoning job if the public works position doesn't pan out. "He has been outstanding at planning and zoning," Roach said.

Technically the job remains open, and Roach said the city would continue to evaluate any qualified applicants.

Hiring from within

Bollinger's hiring is in line with the city policy of hiring from within. Roach was named to the city administrator post eight days after Steve Wilson announced his resignation in June. Jackson did not seek other applicants for the job.

Other applicants were sought for the public works position, and about 25 people applied.

Doing both jobs will require him to set strict priorities, Bollinger said.

"We have a lot on our plate right now. We have to make time for all of it."

Promoting Bollinger to the interim position at this time frees Roach from his public works responsibilities at a time when the city is preparing its budget and has many other projects in the works.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182