Officials anticipate smooth implementation of a neworganizational structure in which Steve Moreton will be in chargeof public works activities for the city.

Aldermen named Moreton, the city’s current building inspector,as director of public works and approved the organizational chartduring last week’s board meeting. The changes take effect July1.

“I think it will pay dividends for the city in the long haul,”said Mayor Bob Massengill, who recommended the organizationalchanges.

The mayor said Moreton, who has been with the city over 15years, works well with city department heads. Helping with thesupervision of day-to-day activities is just one way Moreton willbe of assistance, said Massengill, who will have more time to focuson future city plans and other mayoral functions.

“He will be able to help me in a 1,000 ways,” Massengillsaid.

Massengill said he had spoken with Moreton about the changesover the last few weeks.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping the city growin the direction Mayor Massengill wants it to grow,” Moreton said.”He’s got some visions and plans that I think are going to be greatfor the city.”

While the jobs will be similar, both officials rejected the ideathat Moreton would be replacing Departmental Coordinator JimmyFurlow. Furlow died in an accident at the landfill in April.

“There’s a different title and some of the responsibilities aredifferent,” Massengill said.

Moreton agreed.

“I don’t think anyone will ever take Jimmy’s place,” Moretonsaid. “He was a great person and a super employee.”

According to the organizational chart, water and sewer services,solid waste/landfill operations, building inspection, purchasing,cemetery and the airport are considered public works and Moreton’sresponsibility. The Fire Department is a branch by itself whilestreets, traffic control and ditch cleaning fall under the StreetDepartment branch.

Along with the change in Moreton’s responsibilities, aldermenapproved a $400 a month raise that will place his salary at $43,666a year. Massengill said the city will seek a new employee to handlebuilding inspection duties.

Moreton said he was looking for continued good cooperation andcommunication between the various city’s departments.

“There are things I can help them with and there’s a lot ofthings they can teach me,” Moreton said.