Upcoming city manager vacancy discussed by Steubenville Council

Steubenville officials will begin the search for a new city manager in six weeks as current City Manager Jim Mavromatis plans to retire in mid-March after a decade in office. A five-member committee, led by Councilman Joel Walker, is developing the application process and qualifications, including how to solicit candidates and the expected salary range. Walker highlighted the goal of a smooth transition, proposing that the new hire works alongside Mavromatis for three months to ensure familiarity with city operations. The committee will verify that applicants meet the qualifications specified in the city charter, which currently does not allow candidates without a degree to be considered. Mayor Jerry Barilla expressed a preference for local candidates, but acknowledged the need for qualified individuals, regardless of their background.

The committee plans to present a timeline for the search at the June 24 meeting. Walker noted past hiring mistakes where references were not checked, stressing the importance of thorough vetting this time. Community involvement, including insights from the Ohio City Manager Association, is also being considered to guide the search process.