By Davi Stuhlsatz

 HAYSVILLE – The city council appointed Police Chief Jeff Whitfield as Public Works director at its meeting this past week.

“Chief Whitfield will have responsibility for both the police department and for public works,” said Will Black, deputy administrative officer.

Randy Dorner, who was the current Public Works director prior to the council’s action, will assume the newly created position of assistant public works director of projects.

“Whitfield will receive a $1,500 monthly stipend as compensation for additional duties performed as Public Works Director,” said Black.

The $18,000 annual stipend is in addition to his hourly rate of $28.38 as police chief.

Dorner’s pay was reduced from $30.28 per hour to $25.97, a reduction of $8,965 annually.

Dorner has been a city employee for 23 years and Whitfield for 16 years.

Black would not comment on the reasons for the change in job responsibilities.