Mayor names new Public Works director
By Staff
RESTRUCTURING Monty Jackson, left, will take over as director of a newly restructured Public Works Department. Two assistant Public Works directors were also named. Tommy Irby, center, will oversee the Maintenance Division while Hugh Smith, right, will head the Water Division. Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
By Fredie Carmichael/staff writer
Jan. 22, 2002
City engineer Monty Jackson was named Meridian's new Public Works director in a press conference Monday.
Mayor John Robert Smith also announced a restructuring of the Public Works Department, designating two assistant directors.
Tommy Irby, who has been serving as director on an interim basis since the position became vacant in early July, will be responsible for the Maintenance Division. Hugh Smith, who currently serves as the city's Fresh Water Treatment Superintendent, will oversee the Water Division.
The three appointments are expected to be confirmed tonight by the Meridian City Council.
Jackson was the director of Public Works in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., for 13 years.
The new jobs come with pay raises for two appointees. Jackson's salary will be raised from $61,131 to $68,000; Smith's will be raised from $36,691 to $46,000. Irby's salary will remain at $51,210.