FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The search for a city manager in Fairmont has been relaunched by leaders. Mayor Anne Bolyard said they want to expand the search and refine some job requirements in the new campaign.
Following the resignation of Valerie Means in June 2023, the city received information from 32 people who were interested in the position. The decision to relaunch was made after a committee comprised of department heads, community members, and members of city council reconsidered the timeline and expanded some of the job requirements.
“As a group, we decided these were good candidates, but maybe let’s expand and lengthen the search because it was a short turnaround time,” Bolyard said.
Mayor Bolyard said that the committee is looking for people with direct experience with the duties of a city manager or county administrator. That direct experience was not found in the 32 candidates in the previous search.
“It will give more time for possible applicants and to market in different areas and professional organizations,” Bolyard said. “Jus is widening the net and explaining the requirements.”
The renewed search includes an expanded job description and a longer time window to find the right candidate.
Bolyard noted that the candidate must be promoted to be the on-site executive representing the city on day one.
“That position is very important to the city,” Bolyard said. “That is our leader—the administrative lead for the city—so we have expanded some of the requirements, and the current search will close on November 17 at 4:30 p.m.”
The next city manager in Fairmont will determine the direction of the redevelopment of the Beltline neighborhood, blight removal, and continued growth. Additionally, the candidate should have a strong background in budgeting and the ability to negotiate with unions and manage personnel.
“Those can be properties for new homes or new businesses,” Bolyard said. “Sometimes returning those properties from dangerous situations for neighbors.”