Government, Latest News, Morgantown Council

Council to begin meeting with manager candidates, director positions open

MORGANTOWN — Morgantown Communications Manager Andrew Stacy said Morgantown City Council will begin meeting with city manager applicants in mid-October.

Stacy said it’s not been determined how many candidates will make that cut.

“The job announcement closed on Sept. 10. Since then, Novak Consulting Group has been reaching out to the best qualified candidates from the applicant pool,” Stacy explained.

Council hired Ohio-based Novak Consulting in May to conduct the search at a cost of $24,300.

Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli has served as the city’s interim manager since Paul Brake’s departure for Royal Oak, Mich. on May 14.

The city manager position is one of four openings in the city’s leadership structure.

Former Police Chief Ed Preston resigned on June 30 after nine years leading the Morgantown Police Department.

Eric Powell is serving as interim chief. Powell received Preston’s backing for the job, but it was determined the hire should be made by the city’s next manager.

Additionally, Director of Development Services Chris Fletcher ended his tenure with the city on Sept. 8 and Finance Director Jim Goff’s last day with the city will be Oct. 1.

Stacy said both have/are leaving on good terms and both positions will be posted by the city on Monday.

In the meantime, John Whitmore is serving as interim development services director and Lori Livengood will serve as interim finance director.

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