Polson taking applications for city manager

Polson is hoping to finally hire a new city manager by the end of this winter.

The city posted the job opening last week and is advertising the vacancy on various job boards, including with the International City/County Management Association.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. Following an initial recruitment period, the top candidates will be reviewed by the City Commission, which appoints the new city manager. James Mercer with Santa Fe, New Mexico-based The Mercer Group is leading the recruitment process.

Polson Police Chief Wade Nash has been leading the city as interim city manager since former city manager Mark Shrives stepped down in October 2018.

According to the city’s recruitment brochure, the city manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city, working under the policy guidance of the city commission. The city has 43 full-time non-unionized employees who ultimately report to the city manager.

Applicants are required to have a degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Management or a closely related field. In addition, the successful candidate should have at least five years of experience in public administration.

Starting salary for the new city manager will be “market competitive depending upon the experience and qualifications,” the job posting states.

The salary was set at $90,353 in 2018, according to a survey of city manager salaries conducted by the city.

In other city happenings, the City Commission on Jan. 22 unanimously approved the annexation of a property located at 1203 11th Ave. East.

According to city planner Kyle Roberts, a failing septic system prompted the property owners to request to connect to city sewer. In order to connect to city services, the property owners are required to be annexed into the city.

Roberts described the request as a “pretty straight forward annexation.”

Also at its Jan. 22 meeting, the City Commission reappointed Jill Campbell to the Park and Tree Board.

Interim City Manager Wade Nash told the commission that he’s known Campbell for quite some time and that he would recommend her appointment.

“She has the parks and trees in our community in her best interest,” Nash said.