Gleasons departure from Bloomington official as hes rehired to manage Decatur [Video]

DECATUR (25News Now) – The Decatur City Council has made final its choice to manage the city, but not everyone on the council is enthusiastic about the process and lucrative salary that’s leading to Tim Gleason’s return after six years as Bloomington city manager.

Gleason’s salary will be $230,000 a year, not including about $30,000 more in benefits. Gleason’s base salary in Bloomington was about $220,000 a year.

Council Members David Horn and Dennis Cooper criticized the council’s majority for not opening the process to other candidates. Horn said that sent a message that the highest position in city government is not available to women, people of color, current city employees and executives from across the country.

“The appointment of a city manager without competition is unequivocally not in the city’s best interest,” said Horn.

“He may very well be the best candidate, but it’s hard to determine that when …