Lowell lays off community development director
By Carrie Napoleon Post-Tribune correspondent January 20, 2012 11:08AM
Wilbur Cox, Lowell's former Community Development Director. | File Photo~Sun-Times Media ptmet
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Updated: January 20, 2012 10:02PM
LOWELL — One key town position fell victim to rough economic times Monday when officials eliminated the position of community development director citing a lack of development.
The town council eliminated the position in a motion that reappointed all department heads except Wilbur Cox, who is the director of community development. The motion passed 3-2 down party lines with Robert Philpot, R-2, and Edgar Corns, R-5, voting against the move.
Town Council President Phillip Kuiper, D-4, said the move was a financial one and Cox was informed of the decision prior to the meeting. He did not attend the meeting. Kuiper said Cox has the option of continuing through Jan. 31.
The position pays around $70,000 a year.
“Right now there is just nothing going on,” Kuiper said after the meeting.
Kuiper said officials plan to keep the position open for the time being in case the development situation in town turns around in the spring. He said officials are looking into a number of options including possible service sharing opportunities to help stretch its limited resources.
This is the first filled position eliminated since budget cuts were initiated. Cox is the first employee to be let go. Other positions have been eliminated through attrition.
Corns and Philpot said they voted against eliminating the position because they were not given enough time to review the information.
“We did have a meeting to discuss this position on very short notice. I didn’t have a chance to investigate anything,” Corns said, adding he was concerned the position was being eliminated because of a $45,000 expired performance bond.
Philpot said Cox is an asset to the community.
“His expertise and knowledge in my opinion for me will be missed,” Philpot said.
Officials approved reappointing Greg Shook, director of public works; Sue Peterson, town administrator; Tom Sullivan, park superintendent; and the street, water, distribution and wastewater treatment plant superintendents. All positions are council appointments.
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