The City Council announced Friday afternoon that John Fournier has declined its offer to be Evanston’s new city manager.
The city says Fournier had agreed to an offer made following contract negotiations over the course of a week and that included multiple written drafts.
His appointment was approved by City Council Monday on a 9 to 1 vote.
At the meeting, Fournier spoke of his excitement about the position and his enthusiasm about living in Evanston.
The next day, a statement from the City Council says, Fournier sought to reopen contract negotiations, requesting additional compensation. The City Council responded quickly with a further offer, which Fournier later declined.
The city’s statement says the Council will continue working with its recruitment firm, Stanton Chase, on the search process.
The Council has called a special meeting for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, to hold an executive session to discuss “personnel matters.”
Would the other candidate under consideration still be available?
He was my first choice.
Isn’t the City (our tax money) spending considerable funds to find a suitable candidate?
Mr. Fournier’s initially agreed upon compensation seemed quite fair. May his demands bring him “joy” elsewhere!