City manager questions answered

Samantha Newburn

EFFINGHAM — Residents had questions and Scott Kabbes and Matt Hirtzel had answers.

At the Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry First Friday luncheon, Kabbes and Hirtzel, members of Citizens for Effingham’s Future, spoke about the possible change in government from mayor-commissioner form to managerial form.

Don Eden was concerned that if the referendum is passed, and the new form of government doesn’t work for the city, there won’t be a way to go back to the mayor-commissioner form of government.

“Charleston wanted this form of government, and they can’t decide on anything,” Eden said. “Is there a way to back out of this mess you’re creating?”

Kabbes said to switch back to the original form of government, a referendum will have to be passed, just as it will have to be passed on Feb. 2 to change to a managerial form of government.

“Effingham has voted in many good mayors,” Kabbes said, “and we’re trying to put these people in the type of format that serves the city best.”

If voters approve changing the form of government in the city of Effingham, a manager will be hired by the city council, still made up of elected officials, to oversee day-to-day administrative duties for the city, including overseeing each department. Currently, each commissioner and the mayor, whose duties resemble a commissioner, oversee a specific department.

The council would still have final say on major decisions, such as changes in policies, approval of major projects and approval of large purchases. The city manager would be answerable to the council.

Kabbes said a managerial form of government operates like a business with a board of directors. The CEO oversees all aspects of the operation and is responsible for the budget but reports to the board of directors that ultimately makes the major decisions after hearing recommendations by the CEO.

School districts run in a similar fashion. The superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the entire district but must report to the school board, which makes the major budget and policy decisions.

The council, who has indicated it will commit to hiring an outside firm to help find a qualified city manager, will decide the final contract negotiations with the manager.

Kabbes suggested the city should look for the most qualified manager — not the least expensive. But to attract that kind of experience to Effingham, a concern is the city may have only a one-year contract with the new manager, which may discourage some qualified applicants.

“Because of the city’s tax base and size, we should be able to hire one with experience,” Kabbes said.

Kabbes said it will be up to the council to decide contract details, but turnover for the position can be a good thing. To keep fresh ideas for the city and politics out of the position, it is not unusual for managers to change every five to seven years. And most managers who would apply for this type of position are aware of that.

“The current form of government can be detrimental to Effingham’s future,” Hirtzel said, referring to the four-year turnover of the entire council.

Every four years, voters choose four commissioners and a mayor. It is feasible for the entire council to be new, but an entire new council has a learning curve even though those elected are responsible for their respective departments beginning the day they are sworn into office.

Four members of the existing five-member council were new to the elected offices following the last city election.

“Effingham in the past has elected good mayors, but you can’t guarantee that,” Hirtzel said.

Another concern voiced during the luncheon was how to measure the city manager’s success in Effingham. The council will put the objectives in place for the position, outlining each responsibility and what is expected from the position, Kabbes said.

With the city’s $28 million budget and an $8 million payroll with benefits, Citizens for Effingham’s Future believe a city manager could help make decisions and policies more efficiently.

According to Kabbes, city attorneys believe the city can cut $60,000 of legal expenses with a manager.

City managers are trained to handle municipal budgets and manage the different departments, whereas part-time commissioners run specific city departments without being specifically trained in those areas.

Because the manager would be the person responsible for everyday administrative duties, Kabbes said he believes the position will pay for itself. A city manager’s median salary is $85,000 a year.

Citizens for Effingham’s Future will be holding three public information meetings in January where residents will have an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed change in government form.

The meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 11, at the Unit 40 Board of Education office; 5:30 p.m. Jan. 14, at New Hope Church Cafe and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25, in council chambers at Effingham City Hall.

Samantha Newburn may be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or samantha.newburn@effinghamdailynews.com

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