Keokuk, IA – Public Works Director Gerald Moughler was relieved of his duties with the city late Friday afternoon.
Moughler says the news caught him off-guard, especially with so many projects underway in Keokuk. The list includes street repairs, disaster clean-up, and sewer separation.
Mayor Tom Marion says he has the sole authority to hire and replace a public works director. He says he discussed the issue, though, with each member of the Keokuk City Council prior to informing Moughler of his decision.
Marion says his decision was based, in part, on project management.
"As a department head, you have to be able to delegate," said Marion. "Sometimes that is not done and people don't have the ability to delegate. They take too much on."
Marion would not say that Moughler was fired, citing personnel matters. Moughler says the city has asked him to resign as public works director.
Moughler can appeal his termination to the city council. He says he does not know whether he will do so.
Moughler has been with the city for about two years. He says he will look to get back into the field of engineering.
Marion says four current city employees will handle the duties of public works director until a replacement is named. He says there is a possibility that the position could remain vacant to save Keokuk money.