Galesburg’s new city manager is set to start his duties on Monday, Nov. 7. A spokesperson for city confirmed the start date to WGIL Radio on Thursday.
Gerald Smith was approved as the new city manager on Sept 26 in a split 4-3 vote by the Galesburg City Council. Aldermen Larry Cox, Bradley Hix, Wayne Dennis voted against the contract.
Following his approval, it was announced Smith would start his new position within 30 to 45 days of the employment agreement.
Director of Public Works Wayne Carl has filled the interim city manager role since May when Todd Thompson left to become City Manager of Rock Island. Thompson served as Galesburg city manager for 11 and a half years.
Smith was selected by the Galesburg City Council to fill the position after a nationwide recruitment and selection process, led by the recruitment firm GovHR. The recruitment process garnered 32 applications, which were narrowed by a rigorous review of qualifications by GovHR, as well as a multi-tier interview process.
Smith has worked in public administration for over 25 years, serving as the City Manager, Department Director, and Assistant City Manager in communities ranging from 5,000 – 460,000 in population, as well as managing budgets from $5 million to approximately $100 million. He has previously served as the City Manager in communities including the City of Creedmoor, North Carolina; Maquoketa, Iowa; and Junction City, Kansas. In addition, he served as the Director of General Services for Kansas City, Missouri.
According to the resolution authorizing the appointment of Smith as city manager, his compensation will include an annual salary of $165,000, a $400 per month car allowance and a one-time relocation assistance payment of $10,000.
