LYNN HAVEN — City commissioners reached a consensus Monday on who will be the city’s next manager and parameters for starting salary negotiations.
Though Joel Schubert, bureau chief in the state Department of Revenue, did not receive the most experiential points on candidate ranking lists, commissioners agreed at a Monday workshop he would be the best fit for the city’s top employee position, and salary negotiations would begin at $100,000.
Benefits associated with the position, like vehicle allowances or insurance, could also still be negotiated after commissioners formalize their decision at the upcoming meeting next week, but Mayor Walter Kelley said lining up the final prospects was a relief.
“The commission came together, worked hard and came up with three names, which I’m sure any of those can run this city proper and move it forward,” Kelley said. “… If the first one accepts the contract, he’ll be our
Kelley said the new city manager could be on board in as soon as two weeks.
Schubert received three commission votes to be the first candidate offered the position. If salary negotiations reach an impasse, interim City Manager Bobby Baker would move on to Christopher Brooks. If an agreement could not be reached with him, the offer would be extended to Ted Lakey, commissioners agreed Monday.
Schubert received 130 points from the commission’s previously agreed upon ranking system, falling behind three other candidates.
Other candidates’ scores came out to: Lakey, 139 points; William Whitson, 135 points; Brooks, 131 points; Schubert, 130 points; and Jacquelin Crum, 108 points.
However, commissioners who placed him as the front-runner said community relations out-weighed experience.
“Experience is great,” said Commissioner Joseph Ashbrook. “We have heard for years about the quality of character of our city manager. … There are characteristics that, to me, weigh easily half of what I grade someone as to how they are going to be in reconciling problems with other municipalities or citizens.”
Commissioners agreed to use former City Manager John Lynch’s contract as the template for job requirements and expectations. Lynch’s salary was $110,000 after 15 years as city manager. He died in October after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Commissioners are scheduled to have the formal vote to start negotiations at their 4 p.m. meeting on March 11 in City Hall,