RANTOUL – Rantoul is looking for a new village administrator following the resignation of Village Administrator David Johnston.

Rantoul Mayor Neal Williams said that Johnston submitted his letter of resignation on Friday. It takes effect immediately.

The village board asked for Johnston's resignation following a closed session Wednesday evening to discuss personnel, Williams said. He said that he presented Johnston, who has served since September 2004, with the board's concerns on Thursday, and Johnston responded with his letter on Friday.

"This will afford David the opportunity to explore other ventures," Williams said.

Johnston's departure comes two weeks after village board members publicly expressed concerns over proposed sweeping changes to the village's zoning ordinance that Johnston had supported. Those changes set minimum standards on how the exterior of new buildings should look.

"David and I agree that there are some philosophical differences that have become very apparent lately between himself and the board," Williams said. "It was decided that the best way to resolve this situation would be through an amicable resignation."

"I met with the mayor and a couple of the trustees over the past two weeks, and we both came to the realization it would be best for the village if we parted ways," Johnston said Friday night. "I'm fine with that."

Williams said that Johnston would be given a severance package, but Williams wasn't exactly certain on Friday evening what was in it.

Williams praised Johnston for the village's accomplishments during his three years as village administrator, including the creation of the Chanute Redevelopment Commission and the transfer of former Chanute Air Force Base property to the village.

"We appreciate all that David has done over the last three years," Williams said.

Johnston said he will miss the people of the community.

"My time in Rantoul more than met my expectations," Johnston said. "I was given an opportunity to broker a relationship between federal and state agencies, so that was a new experience for me. I worked with a great staff and a concerned public. Maybe it is time for me to move on."

Williams said he doesn't intend to appoint an interim administrator. Instead a team consisting of Comptroller Scot Brandon, Economic Development Director Bob Bruce and Village Attorney Ken Beth will handle the duties.

"We've got a core staff together, so the ball won't be dropped for day-to-day operations," Williams said.

Meanwhile, Williams said he has directed Rantoul human resources manager Larry Madalon to conduct a national search for the next village administrator.

Williams has also appointed Madalon and village board members Margurette Carter and Jim Stubblefield to screen the applicants as an administrator search committee.

'We are looking for someone to lead us in a different direction," Carter said Friday night. "We'll see what happens."

Williams said he hopes to appoint a new village administrator within three months. Williams' appointment must be ratified by a vote by the village board.

Prior to coming to Rantoul, Johnston had served as the town manager of Westfield, Ind., a suburb of Indianapolis.

He previously served as village administrator of Coal City and as administrative director for Indiana Health Centers.