Biloxi mayor names acting public works director

Billy Ray Allen, who has worked in the city's Public Works Department for more than 40 years, has been named acting director of the department, Biloxi Mayor Andrew "FoFo" Gilich announced Monday.

Former director Dan Gaillet resigned last week.

Allen, 62, began in public works in 1975. Except for a brief hiatus with private water contractor ECO Resources, he has worked continually for the city. In 2003, he was named the department's utility construction manager.

Gilich also needs to appoint a director of the city's Engineering Division, where engineer Christy LeBatard has worked as acting engineer.

"We have a number of challenges in the area of streets and drainage, and we're working to make sure we have the appropriate leadership in place," Gilich said.

This story was originally published January 11, 2016 at 5:51 PM with the headline "Biloxi mayor names acting public works director ."