It took a while longer than anticipated but Macomb has hired its next community development coordinator.
Shannon Duncan will succeed Ed Basch, who left in January. Duncan will begin work June 23.
Mayor Mike Inman said Duncan is familiar with the community and with the job.
“She brings a great deal of knowledge of the background of the office with her. As a matter of fact, she’s been the primary grant writer the majority of the instances we’ve been involved with since I’ve been on the council,” Inman said.
Whatever new development comes through the city ultimately comes through that office in one way or another.
A memo from the city said Duncan has been with the Western Illinois Regional Council for 13 years, working her way up to the position of planning coordinator.
Duncan also served on the Macomb Planning Commission. Inman said she has resigned from that post because she will now be overseeing that group as well as the Historic Preservation Commission.
“We’ve got some projects coming up,” said Inman, “and we want to make sure that Shannon has a chance to settle in but we expect her to get going as soon as she gets here.”
He said projects include the downtown revitalization, the West Adams Street upgrade, and façade improvements. He also expects her to be involved with the city’s economic development efforts.
“Whatever new development comes through the city ultimately comes through that office in one way or another,” said Inman.
Aldermen unanimously agreed Monday night to hire Duncan. Her starting pay will be $68,200, which is about $2,000 less than what Basch was being paid when he left.
Gary Ziegler has served as interim CDC while the city searched for Basch’s replacement.
Inman said the city went through two rounds of applications. The applicant chosen during the first round declined the city’s offer. Inman said 30 people applied between the two rounds. He said Duncan did not apply the first time the job was posted.
