NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council approved the hiring of interim City Manager Gary Meagher on Tuesday.
"I am honored to serve as the interim city manager," Meagher said. "This community has such a great reputation statewide. I think you see why. There was a small example this morning from the Public Works Department and the kind of good work that they do. That's the kind of work that's being done every day, across the departments."
Meagher is re-energized to take on this task and to get back into the day to day of administration.
"One of the reasons I stayed in that profession and really enjoyed my career was the fact that I could be a part of making the community better," Meagher said. "Working with the governing body, working with staff and working with community leaders to make improvements to the community. I really appreciate the opportunity. I've had a chance to kind of decompress, you might say, for a while. I did work some during the time that I was retired. I served as an interim for Moundridge, the city of Moundridge and worked for the county in administration of their grants and so, I do appreciate this opportunity to serve you and work with your staff. Thank you so much."
City Attorney Paul Brown said Meagher will be paid similarly to what Jeff Cantrell was.
"The contract calls for an initial two month period, with it renewable on a month to month basis," Brown said. "It would not continue beyond the hiring of a permanent city manager. His compensation is listed in the contract, the same as the previous city manager, as far as compensation, except it doesn't include all those additional benefits."
The city agreed to pay Meagher an amount not to exceed $6,425.96 per bi-weekly pay period, prorated, if less than a full pay period of services is provided.
The motion passed on a 3-0 vote, as Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho, Jon Richardson and Steve Garza voted in favor. Sara Bagwell and Greg Fast were absent Tuesday.