CITY NARROWS ITS MANAGER SEARCH
Three candidates now in running as process draws closer to conclusion
The hiring of a new Alma city manager is drawing closer to a conclusion.
About a dozen applications were received for the post and a committee, composed of Mayor Greg Mapes, Vice Mayor Roxann Harrington and City Commissioner Nick Piccolo, interviewed six candidates virtually.
They have since reduced the field to three finalists, according to Mapes.
“We had some high quality applicants,” he said. “It was tough narrowing it down.”
The names of the finalists have not yet been released.
“We are working on getting their permission,” Mapes said.
The three finalists will be required to have their identities released because the interviews will be taking place during a public meeting.
All seven city commissioners will be conducting the final interviews.
“Everything will be in an open session from here on out,” Mapes said. “We are still working on seeing when everyone will be available (for an interview).”
According to the job description the city manager “serves as chief administrative officer appointed and receiving policy direction from the city commission.”
The person hired will also “oversee the organization and directions of all city departments and ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory obligations.”
City officials are preferably looking for someone with prior municipal management experience as a unit director, assistant city manager or city manager, who has the “demonstrated ability to supervise employees and lead a staff.”
Depending on the person’s qualifications the annual starting salary range being offered is between $95,184 and $121,139.
City commissioners are looking to replace former City Manager Matt Schooley, who retired Sept. 30 after more than 30 years with the city, including the last three as city manager.
Assistant City Manager and Downtown Development Authority Director Aeric Ripley has been appointed interim city manager and will serve in that capacity until the position is filled.
The three finalists will be required to have their identities released because the interviews will be taking place during a public meeting. All seven city commissioners will be conducting the final interviews.