The City of Pekin is preparing for a staff leadership transition next year.  WCBU’s Tanya Koonce reports:

The Pekin City Council Meeting was the venue in which 5 members of staff leadership were recognized for their retirement.  That includes City Manager Denny Kief who’s held the job for nearly 8 years and been with the city for 26. Mayor Rusty Dunn says Kief’s legacy will pay the city big dividends.

Kief’s last day is December 31.  The council unanimously approved a contract with former Mayor Frank Mackaman to serve in the interim spot for six months.  Mackaman starts today.  He will make $9000 a month with mileage reimbursement and no benefits.

The chief and assistant chief of Police and the Director of Public properties were also recognized for their service and pending retirements.   

Pekin City Manager Denny Kief’s last report to the city council included a staff reorganization proposal and an update on the city’s FY 2012 Budget.  The city is anticipating a nearly $4.6 million dollar deficit.  Following that report the council approved a nearly four percent increase in the city’s portion of property tax bills for 2010, payable in 2011.