Interim city manager hired
Staff writer
Hillsboro City Council approved an agreement Thursday with Michael Webb to serve as interim city administrator after Matt Stiles steps down until the city recruits a permanent replacement.
The council approved a professional services agreement with Webb, agreeing to pay him as a contract employee based on the equivalent of Matt Stiles’ salary and benefits. Council also authorized $5,000 for temporary housing, with Webb expected to stay two nights per week in a short-term rental while working in Hillsboro.
The move is intended to keep city operations steady while the search moves forward, Mayor Lou Thurston said.
“It’s important that we have the right people at the right time doing the right things,” Thurston said.
Council members also heard from John Deardorff of the Kansas League of Municipalities, who outlined the process for recruiting the city’s next administrator.
The position will be advertised in the coming weeks before the council reviews applicants and schedules interviews.
The council also approved sending $10,363.26 in Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds back to the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
The money must be returned when accounts tied to assistance have been closed so it can be reassigned to other qualifying residents.
Earlier in the meeting, street superintendent Dale Dalke presented his department’s annual report and discussed recent work by city crews.
“Our guys stepped up in the absence of the sanitation department and filled in long term to get the trash and recycling collected,” Dalke said.
Dalke requested several pieces of equipment for street maintenance. The council approved purchasing a pavement saw, walk-behind blower, and walk-behind compactor, with the combined cost expected to be about $25,000.
Council members also approved updates to employee policies establishing a continuing education pay plan and outlining employee recognition programs, including MVP and safety awards.
The council also approved $2,114.82 in invoices from Hillsboro Ford for vehicle repairs and maintenance.