Search for City Administrator delayed, to resume in 2022

From Staff Reports

The City of Slaton has been searching for a new City Administrator since Mike Lamberson announced his retirement earlier this year.

Residents have been asking Mayor Clif Shaw why there has been a delay in hiring a new City Administrator.

He said the City has not had an issue with applicants or finalists, but instead another problem.

Both finalists had to decline the job offer.

“We have had somewhere around 25 applicants that have applied for the City Administrator, and out of that 25 we selected, I guess five that we wanted to interview,” he said, adding out of that five, two finalists were offered the position.

“The first time around, he had interviewed for another job and he took it instead of ours,” Shaw said.

The second one was offered the position about two weeks ago. “That gentleman had personal issues that he couldn’t control and couldn’t get out of,” he said. Shaw added the finalist however felt good about the offer.

With both candidates declining, and upcoming grant items, parks and budget, the Shaw said he and the City have discussed the issue and made a decision.

“Right now… we’re just going to drop looking for a City Administrator right now until after the first of the year,” Shaw said. “(Interim City Administrator) Mike Lamberson has agreed to stay as long as we need him so we’re not having to rush and try to find somebody.”

Shaw said this was a strategic move, as it ensures the right candidate is in the position, and not someone to just be a “stuffed shirt sitting in the office.”

For more information, please read the Thursday edition of The Slatonite.