Public works director Rick Tucker to retire May 1; trustees forward job descriptions

Rick Tucker told the personnel committee he will retire effective May 1 after more than 31 years with the village. "It's been a pleasure to serve the village for 31 plus years," Tucker said, adding he will help ensure a smooth transition and remain available as needed after he steps down.

Trustees and staff praised Tucker's leadership and said planning is underway to restructure positions in public works so the transition is managed within the village's budget. A personnel committee member said staff including Ben and Christina, and Trustee McGuire, have been working with Tucker "lockstep" on next steps and job descriptions.

The personnel committee forwarded four job descriptions to the full board: director of public works, public works supervisor, wastewater treatment plant foreman and parks foreman. Trustees said approved job descriptions and any resulting position changes will be handled through the annual budgeting process, with staff aiming to absorb adjustments in FY26 where possible.

Tucker and trustees discussed overlap and training during the transition. Tucker said he hopes to "make a smooth transition with my replacement" and will make himself available after May 1. The board later accepted Tucker's retirement letter "with regrets." The personnel committee also asked staff to standardize formatting on the parks foreman job description before final approval.

Next steps: the four job descriptions were forwarded to the board for formal approval and will be reflected in upcoming budget deliberations.