The City of Joliet has offered a first multi-year contract to a City Manager since 2017.
The Joliet City Council Tuesday unanimously approved the hiring of Helen Elizabeth Beatty as its city manager, at a salary of $230,000 the first year with potential increases in the following years. The council approved a three-year contract with Beatty, who is the first woman to serve as city manager of Joliet, the third largest city in Illinois. She will also receive $12,500 in relocation expenses to move from Chicago to Joliet.
Beatty’s first day on the job is Dec. 11, according to Mayor Terry D’Arcy. She was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting as she was diagnosed with pneumonia the same day, the mayor added.
Councilman Larry Hug, who admitted he had some objections to provisions in the contract, said Beatty ultimately was the best choice for the job.
“This is a big decision we need to make, and this is an important decision we need to make,” he said Tuesday. “I can assure you she interviewed very well and obviously was the most qualified candidate brought forward.”
Beatty will replace Rod Tonelli, the current interim city manager. Tonelli was named interim city manager several months ago, replacing Jim Capparelli, whose contract expired on July 12. Tonelli was the fourth interim city manager since 2018.
D’Arcy said what made Beatty stand above other candidates is she has a strong background in municipal government and law with nearly 20 years of experience.
During her career in Chicago, D’Arcy worked for Mayors Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emanuel, Lori Lightfoot, and Brandon Johnson. She served as deputy mayor of intergovernmental affairs and former deputy chief financial officer. Beatty holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s College, a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School and was a law clerk for the Illinois Supreme Court’s Third Judicial District.
