Billy Ray Allen, who has worked in the city’s Public Works Department for more than 40 years, has been named acting director of the department.
Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich made the announcement today. Dan Gaillet submitted his resignation last week to spend more time with a son who is recovering from a catastrophic automobile accident.
Allen, 62, began working in the Public Works Department in 1975 and except for a brief hiatus with private water contractor ECO Resources has worked continually for the city. In 2003, he was named the department’s utility construction manager.
“Billy Ray has a wealth of institutional knowledge of the Public Works Department and the city in general,” said Gilich. “I have complete confidence in his ability as we look to name a permanent Public Works Director.”
Gilich also has to find a permanent leader of the city’s Engineering Division, where engineer Christy LeBatard has worked as acting engineer.
Said the mayor: ‘We have a number of challenges in the area of streets and drainage, and we’re working to make sure we have the appropriate leadership in place.”
