A few weeks ago, the long-time village administrator, Russ Loebe gave a tearful goodbye in front of the Village Board.

This week, on a night when Mayor Tim Baldermann and the re-elected trustees were sworn in for another four-year term, new administrator Kurt Carroll's contract was approved by the Village.

Carroll comes to New Lenox after working in the same role in the village of Shorewood, and according to his contract, he will be bringing in an annual salary of $153,000. 

"It's hard to compare him to (Loebe), but he will be pouring a lot of hours into the job," Trustee David Smith said after the meeting.

Carroll was selected from a field of 67 applicants.

"We'll miss (Loebe) but we're very happy to start a new era with (Carroll). I'm confident he's going to be here a while," Baldermann said.

Carroll will be starting his new position on May 31.

"I'm very thankful and honored to accept this role," Carroll said. "I'm eager and excited to get started and help the village to pursue its goals."