Council makes utility projects appointment official

Brandenburger, who resigned as city manager to take new job, will stay on until successor is found.

Man accused of robbing drive-through twice
Updated 5 min. ago
69 teachers could be cut for Lakota junior high and high schools
Updated 10 min. ago
More snow expected by morning commute
6:10 p.m.
Bartels Farm fire still under investigation
6:02 p.m.
Frozen yogurt shop offers frenzy of flavors, toppings
5:58 p.m.
> More headlines

By Dave Greber, Staff Writer 12:38 AM Thursday, March 11, 2010

HAMILTON — City Council made it official Wednesday, March 10, creating a department with a specific focus on the future of local utilities.

The move also included appointing former City Manager Mark Brandenburger as director of the Department of Special Utility Projects.

Brandenburger, 60, submitted his resignation to the city Feb. 18 in advance of being tapped. He has agreed to stay on as interim city manager until a successor is found.

Although the Council was collectively mum regarding the creation of the department or its leader during the public portion of the meeting, Mayor Pat Moeller said members have begun preliminary discussions about the next city manager.

Brandenburger said council members approached him with the idea two weeks ago, and that he was “very happy” with the appointment.

And he said his salary of nearly $146,500 likely would not increase.

Brandenburger, employed by Hamilton since 1974, has been closely involved in the city’s electric and gas operations since 1999.

He will now have a more specific focus, but control the vast majority of the city’s operational budget, including a $500 million hydroelectric plant, a portion of the country’s largest coal-fired power plant under construction in Illinois, a $37 million improvement to the city’s sanitary sewer system and the possibility of another electric generation plant.

Share this article