Columbus City Utilities is making an official offer to a candidate identified in its search for a new director.
The Columbus Utility Service Board approved a resolution on the matter at a special meeting Tuesday.
According to the document, the executive search firm Smith & Syberg has presented a “highly qualified candidate” for the search committee’s consideration. The committee now plans to engage the firm to extend an offer to this candidate, which will include an annual salary of $130,000.
Board Member Cheryl McAvoy recommended this amount based on feedback from the committee and firm, as well as the candidate’s qualifications and years of experience.
The candidate search for this position has lasted about eight months. The previous utilities director, Scott Dompke, left employment with the city in late February.
City attorney Alan Whitted said in a statement earlier this year that the city and utilities board terminated Dompke’s employment due to a “difference of management style and philosophy.” Dompke’s predecessor, Keith Reeves, has served as an interim director during the candidate search.
The approved resolution states that if the prospective candidate accepts the city’s offer, Reeve’s contract will be extended for a period of time. This is so that he can work with the new director and assist him or her with “getting to know various elements and aspects of Columbus City Utilities.”
Reeves said that he has “no objections” to this arrangement, which board president Clayton Force said will help ensure a smooth transition between the interim and new director.
