Story posted Thursday, February 25, 2010
Brimm Stepping Down
Village Manager To Retire After 30 Years Of Service
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
After over 30 years of service to the community, Buffalo Grove Village Manager Bill Brimm officially gave his notice of retirement to the village board during a closed session meeting Monday night.
Brimm, 61, will vacate his office on Friday, June 11 and will officially leave his position effective July 2.
"On Jan. 16, 1978, I was given a wonderful opportunity to join the staff of the Village of Buffalo Grove as director of finance and general services," said Brimm. "Over the past 32-plus years I have dedicated myself to the goals, objectives, and hopes of the elected officials, residents and those who call Buffalo Grove home for their business. I have, to the best of my ability, tried to do what was right and proper in all areas and aspects that I was responsible for in Buffalo Grove."
Over the past year, Brimm has come under scrutiny from village trustee Lisa Stone, who since last May has questioned Brimm's work performance on a few different occasions. One area Stone focused on was the off-track betting facility that was approved last summer.
There were also claims that Stone was "harassing" Brimm on numerous occasions by calling him anytime of the day, seven days a week.
Brimm said the last year has been challenging for him and at times awkward but he expects any bickering or negative opinions that may be on the board to eventually pass. Brimm said over the past few months, he has given a great deal of thought to where he is being led.
"I never really thought about myself in this job, but it's now time to think about myself," said Brimm.
Brimm and his wife Linda are currently raising their four-year old grandson and said this requires a lot of energy from both of them and leaving now will help. However, Brimm said he intends to continue to work in some capacity.
"I don't want to do any consulting, but my roots are in finance," said Brimm. "I haven't looked for a job in over 30 years."
Looking back, Brimm believes some of his accomplishments included developing a growing village that once had 18,000 residents, ensuring conservative fiscal planning and increasing the village's bond rating.
"At times, I have felt like a lucky manager surrounded by great players," commented Brimm.
"It wasn't a surprise," said Trustee Jeff Braiman, who has served on the village board since 1991. "I worked with Bill for almost 20 years and have known him for a long time and have great respect for him professionally and personally. The last year has been very difficult for him and all of us."
According to Braiman, the village board will now begin to search for Brimm's replacement either in-house or outside village hall.
"We may do a nationwide search to find someone," sad Braiman. "We also may ask someone internally to take over the position on an interim basis." Deputy Village Manager Ghida Neukirch has been with the village for 11 years.
"I think she would do an outstanding job," said Brimm. "My message for the next village manager is to be strong."
"I am definitely prepared and ready to take over," said Neukirch. "I believe I have worked hard since I have been here and I believe I coordinate well with staff and work well with the board and public. I would be honored to serve as the next village manager."
Neukirch, 39, believes the greatest advantage of hiring an internal candidate is they can hit the job running and know the issues of the community already.
She added she will serve as acting village manager on Mar. 22 in Brimm's absence and one of the two meetings each month after that until Brimm leaves.
An attempt by the Journal to contact Stone for comment was unsuccessful.
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