Police Chief Ric Huff will be a busy man the next few months.

After being selected by the Niles City Council as the replacement for retiring City Administrator Terry Eull at Monday’s council meeting, Huff will be playing double duty for the next few months.

He will continue his duties as police chief, while also spending plenty of time at City Hall as assistant city administrator getting trained for the position by Eull. The period of working two jobs will not mean an increase in pay, though.

Huff doesn’t have much time to celebrate the promotion, as Eull wants him to attend two meetings with him today.

“He’ll be a busy man,” Eull said.

The goal is to move Huff into City Hall permanently by June or July, according to Eull. Huff will take over officially as city administrator when Eull retires at the end of September.

The council voted unanimously to enter into contract negotiations with Huff for the position. For many council members, it was a no-brainer.

“The decision couldn’t have been much easier,” council member Bruce Williams told Huff. “I’m thankful for you stepping up to the challenge.”

Mayor Mike McCauslin said he was happy when he first found out Huff was interested in the position.

“The continuity you provide will be a great feeling, a feeling of security,” McCauslin said. “It’s an unprecedented time in Michigan economically, but I am confident you are up for it.”

Huff said he recognizes he will have a lot on his plate over the next few months.

“Mr. Eull plans to keep me very busy,” he said. “I have a lot to experience and learn about the scope of city business, and I will work diligently.”

Huff said his immediate focus will be familiarizing himself with the budget and helping Eull craft it.

Huff said he hopes to appoint a new police chief at least two months before he takes over as city administrator.