Waukesha Community Development Director Steve Crandell will take on the additional duties of interim city administrator as officials begin looking for someone to replace Lori Curtis Luther, Common Council President Paul Ybarra said Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Peoria County Board in Illinois voted to hire Luther as its next county administrator.
Luther is expected to begin her new job Aug. 5, Peoria County officials said.
She will be paid an annual salary of $145,000 and a $500 per month auto allowance, under terms of a 31/2-year contract approved by the board at a special meeting Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Luther confirmed in a statement that she had been selected for the Peoria County post. She did not refer in the statement to conflicts between her and Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima over a Common Council-approved application for Lake Michigan water.
In June 2010, the Common Council stripped the mayor of any supervisory authority over her, having her report to and be evaluated by members of the council.
"I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the positive relationship that I have shared with the council, staff and the entire Waukesha community," Luther said. Luther has been Waukesha administrator since January 2008 and was paid $115,304 a year.
Crandell served as interim city administrator in 2007 before Luther was hired, Ybarra said.