The Pickerington finance committee approved the selection of William Vance to fill the role of city manager during its Wednesday night meeting.
"We have concluded our search and have found a gentleman who we believe is a perfect fit for Pickerington," said Mayor Mitch O'Brien in a press release issued April 14. "Mr. Vance's experience, vision, leadership style and demeanor are exactly what we had hoped to find."
The city began its search with 52 applicants and it was narrowed down to six in late March.
Police Chief Mike Taylor has served as the interim city manager since Tim Hansley's firing over "philosophical differences" in late October, as reported by the Messenger.
Taylor has received an additional $2,500 per month, in addition to his salary for serving as police chief, to fill the role until a new city manager was hired, said Linda Fersch, the city's personnel director.
Vance, who currently resides in Wildwood, Fla., has served as the town manager of Lady Lake, Fla., Luray, Va., and Franklinton, N.C., and is a graduate of Appalachian State University's town and city manager program, said the release.
The advertised annual salary for the city manager position was $90,000 to $100,000, Fersch said.
Vance will receive an annual base salary of $105,000, according to the contract.
In addition, the contract stated that he will receive a car allowance of $500 per month, reimbursement for moving expenses up to $5,000 and up to $1,200 per month for three months for temporary housing.
If hired, the contract would be for two years and Vance would be expected to start June 1.
City council is expected to consider the ordinance for its first reading on April 20.
