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Pekin City Council to vote on firing city manager Mark Rothert

The Pekin City Council will vote Monday on firing city manager Mark Rothert and choosing an interim replacement.

Mark Rothert
City of Pekin
Mark Rothert

The agenda for Monday’s regular meeting shows the council will enter an executive session before considering resolutions to terminate a city employee and assign an “interim city manager.” Rothert is not listed by name, and the interim candidate is not identified.

Council member John Abel told WCBU News that Rothert’s potential ouster is likely to produce a “heated” executive session among the divided seven-member council.

The agenda does not provide any reasoning for Rothert's termination. Attempts to get comments from Rothert, Mayor Mark Luft and other council members were unsuccessful.

Abel said four of his fellow council members – Becky Cloyd, Lloyd Orrick, Dave Nutter and Rick Hilst – have been pushing for a “complete regime change” in city government. Cloyd, who serves as Mayor Pro Tempore, and Nutter have announced mayoral bids, while Luft has not publicly indicated his intentions regarding re-election.

Abel said the situation has resulted in a “toxic work environment” at City Hall and several department heads have tendered their resignations.

Rothert was promoted to city manager in November of 2018. He previously spent five years as Peoria County's assistant county administrator.

Monday’s meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 110 S. Capitol St.

Contact Joe at jdeacon@ilstu.edu.