Pekin council removes Marston from city manager role, council member to file complaint

After deliberating for two-and-a-half hours in a closed-door executive session, the Pekin City Council voted to remove Bruce Marston as interim city nanager during a special meeting Monday.

Pekin Mayor Mary Burress said the move came as a result of an internal investigation.

“There has been inappropriate behavior with employees, and they filed a complaint,” Burress added. “There was an investigation, and the complaint was found to be true.”

The resolution passed on a contentious 4-3 vote, with council members Becky Cloyd, Rick Hilst, and Lloyd Orrick emphatically opposing the measure. Cloyd announced her intention to file a formal complaint with the Illinois attorney general’s office.

“I am deeply disappointed by this decision,” Cloyd stated. “Bruce was not given an opportunity to remediate. He was not given an opportunity to make things right. He was not told about his infractions or accusations. This is injustice, and this is unacceptable.”

According to Burress, Marston will remain in his position as city of Pekin finance director. Deputy Pekin police Chief Seth Ranney will serve as acting city manager until the position can be filled.

Monday’s meeting marks the second termination of a Pekin city manager in less than a year.

Last October, the council voted to terminate then-City Manager Mark Rothert. With council member Karen Hohimer absent, the resolution passed 4-2, with council member John Abel and then-Mayor Mark Luft opposing.

This article originally appeared on Pekin Daily Times: Pekin council removes interim city manager, member to file complaint