Du Quoin council unanimously approves Doug Bishop hiring at an annual salary of $62,500

Meeting in special session Thursday evening, the Du Quoin City Council hired Douglas E. Bishop as the new Public Works Director. Bishop and the city have agreed to a one-year contract at a salary of $62,500.

Bishop is expected to begin work on Jan. 15. Support for Bishop was unanimous. He will report to city administrator Brad Myers.

He was one of two candidates interviewed for the position. Bishop, 58, is a 1972 graduate of Du Quoin High School and holds a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He is a registered Professional Engineer and has a broad background in civil engineering, including 12 years as the Perry County highway engineer.

Commissioner Rex Duncan said he has known Bishop for years and described him as "one of the smartest people I know." Duncan said he's enthusiastic about having someone of Bishop's training and background serving as public works director.

"Doug brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the city's management team. I know he is going to be of great assistance to Brad and frankly to our bottom line as well. Doug Bishop is an investment that is going to provide returns in a lot of ways," Duncan said.

Duncan becomes Du Quoin's mayor in February and will fill the unexpired term of Mayor John Rednour.