WATERLOO -- Acting has been removed from Larry Smith's job title.

Waterloo City Council members voted unanimously Monday to approve Mayor Tim Hurley's recommendation to appoint Smith as the new superintendent of Waste Management Services. He had been serving as acting superintendent following the death of former superintendent Tim Shea on Sept. 22.

Smith, 60, has worked in Waste Management Services since June 1989 and had been assistant superintendent for the past 12 years. He previously worked at the treatment plant for the city of Cedar Falls.

"I appreciate the mayor and council's confidence in me and I hope to do a good job," said Smith, who takes the reins of the department which includes the sewage treatment plant, garbage collection, yard waste and recycling programs, storm sewer maintenance and flood control operations.

Hurley said he chose to elevate Smith to the post rather than opening the position for outside applications. He contacted council members individually before proposing the decision not to advertise for a new superintendent.

"Council was unanimous in their support for Larry Smith," Hurley said. "They're comfortable with him and recognize his abilities."

Smith and Shea had worked closely on key issues in the Waste Management Services operations and is, therefore, familiar with the operations, Hurley added. "Whenever you got Tim, Larry was right there with him."

Smith will receive a pay increase to $78,770 a year, which is less than Shea was earning at the time of his death.

Council members also approved an exception to the city's residency policy, which normally requires department heads to live within the Waterloo city limits. Smith has lived in Evansdale, close to the Waste Management Services headquarters, since being hired by the city.

Contact Tim Jamison at (319) 291-1577 or tim.jamison@wcfcourier.com.