Claremore in search of long-term city manager
BY RHETT MORGAN World Staff Writer
Thursday, August 02, 2012
8/02/12 at 4:37 AM
CLAREMORE - Having gone through several city managers in less than two years, the city would like its next one to stay a while, Mayor Mickey Perry said.
"Economic development is important," he said. "We'd like to get some stability. That's just part of it.
"We have our own electric system, so utilities are a big part of it," Perry said. "We will look at all of that to see who is the best fit."
In June, City Manager Daryl Golbek announced that he was resigning but would continue his longtime duties as public works director.
Golbek took over for Tim Rundel, who spent less than two months as city manager before he left in the fall of 2010. He eventually landed a job as assistant city manager at Midwest City.
Rundel's predecessor, Troy Powell, lasted 4 1/2 years before he left for a similar position at The Colony, Texas.
Numerous councilors resigned during the Rundel-to-Golbek transition. Perry said Claremore's city government is much more stable now.
"We've got a good council," he said. "We're committed. We have a lot of industry looking at us.
"It's an exciting time for Claremore. We need somebody to lead us to that next step."
The city employs 292 people and has an annual operating budget of about $100 million. It also operates its own water, sewer, sanitation and electric utilities.
The city has received at least 20 applications for city manager and will continue taking them through Sept. 14. Ward 4 Councilor Mark Lepak is chairman of the screening committee.
No hiring timetable exists, Perry said.
"We're getting there slowly but surely," he said. "We are in a hurry but not in a big hurry."
Original Print Headline: Claremore officials in search of long-term city manager
Rhett Morgan 918-581-8395
rhett.morgan@tulsaworld.com
