Two new department heads were appointed following a lengthyexecutive session Tuesday night, while the other previousdepartment leaders kept their positions.

Mayor Les Bumgarner recommended reappointments the cityattorney, administrator, judge and prosecutor at the July 7 boardmeeting, but left department head decisions for Tuesday night’smeeting.

Wilmer Butler, who has worked under former Street DepartmentSuperintendent Jimmy Griffin, will take his place after hisretirement in June, while Tony Weeks, previously a captain with 24years on the force at Brookhaven Fire Department, was appointedfire chief.

“I have done some research and interviewing during this processand I feel like we have two fine people there in Wilmer Butler inthe street department, who was an assistant to Mr. Griffin, so Ipropose we elevate him to department head,” Bumgarner said. “And inthe fire department, Capt. Tony Weeks … I really feel like he’s aman that can lead our fire department in the five-year plan and10-year plan, and he brings a little bit of youth and a lot ofexperience, and will do a good job leading the department.”

Butler passed by a vote of 7-0, while Weeks passed with a voteof 5-2.

Ward Two Alderman Terry Bates and Ward Three Alderwoman MaryWilson voted against Weeks, with reports after the executivesession indicating they thought the chain of seniority should befollowed. Promotions within the fire department traditionally havebeen based on who has been there the longest, regardless oftraining or performance.

Other incumbent department heads are Public Works Director SteveMoreton, City Inspector Chip Genarro, Waste DepartmentSuperintendent Willie Smith, Water Department Superintendent LannyDickey, and Cemetery Department Superintendent Hosmar Cameron. Theywere all voted in 7-0.

Butler and Weeks will start their duties immediately.