CREST HILL – A new interim administrator has been hired to run Crest Hill’s city staff as the City Council searches for a permanent one during the next several months.

The council voted unanimously last week to approve the hire of former Homer Glen Village Administrator Cameron Davis.

Davis will take over after current City Administrator John Tomasoski leaves at the end of the month for the same position in Mokena, Mayor Ray Soliman said. He will take Tomasoski's salary of $123,899.17, paid biweekly.

Soliman said Davis, who was dismissed from his position at Homer Glen last month, had the experience to take over on an interim basis.

Homer Glen Mayor George Yukich told the Chicago Tribune Davis was one of the "smartest men" in municipal management and his dismissal wasn't related to performance.

“He is the right individual to keep the city moving in the right direction,” Soliman said, noting he has known Davis during Davis’ time in Homer Glen. “He’s a professional individual.”

Along with the new hire, City Attorney Heather McGuire’s position has been reclassified as the assistant city administrator.

McGuire, who already was taking on HR duties for the city, also will be involved in decisions relating to department head oversight, personnel matters, the budget and economic development.

Soliman said McGuire also will assist Davis, and the future permanent city administrator, with getting acclimated to the city and staff.

McGuire’s salary of $105,950 will remain the same, she said.

“I think I’m looking forward to the change,” McGuire said. “I think it’s a good opportunity to help spur economic development [among other areas] in the city.”

The City Council last week hired GovHR USA on a contract not to exceed $17,000 to conduct a nationwide search for a permanent replacement for Tomasoski.

Tomasoski accepted a position as Mokena’s village administrator last month. GovHR USA is the same firm Mokena used to hire Tomasoski.

Soliman said the process could take four to six months, and the hope is GovHR whittles down 40 to 50 candidates to as many as six candidates. Then the City Council will interview the candidates.