New Madrid city administrator resigns

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- The New Madrid City Council will begin looking for a new city administrator.

Chad Eggen, who first served as assistant city administrator, then as administrator, has accepted a job as executive director for the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission. Based in Warrenton, Missouri, the commission works with local governments and groups to promote development.

Eggen, who tendered his resignation at the March 24 council meeting, had been employed by the city since November 2012. He will begin his new duties April 16, according to a news release issued by the commission's executive board.

The same night Eggen resigned, John Gilbert, former city administrator, was hired as special projects manager for a number of construction projects New Madrid has planned. Gilbert has agreed to serve as interim city manager.

"We are thankful for John and his willingness to come out of retirement and fill in as interim city administration until we find someone," Brown said.

Brown said he would like to have hiring completed no later than November or early December so the person would be part of the 2016 budget process.