The Newport City Council held a special meeting on May 8, 2024, primarily focused on the selection of a new city manager. The discussion highlighted the qualifications and compensation of the candidates, with Councilor Romley emphasizing the need for a salary that reflects the responsibilities of managing a city with a budget of $150 million and over 360 employees.

Councilor Romley pointed out that both candidates under consideration requested the same compensation, which he argued should be competitive given the cost of living in Newport. He stressed that the city manager role is akin to that of a CEO, requiring a salary that aligns with market standards for such positions. Romley also defended the interview process, noting that it was conducted by the HR department and included independent evaluations to ensure qualified candidates were presented to the council.

The council's deliberations included acknowledgment of the qualifications of the candidates, particularly Mr. Kennedy, who was noted for his impressive interview performance. Romley expressed concern over criticisms regarding the candidates' qualifications, stating that all council members had previously approved the finalists for interviews without objection.

The meeting underscored the importance of selecting a capable leader for the city, with discussions reflecting the council's commitment to a thorough and fair hiring process. The outcome of this meeting is expected to influence the future direction of Newport's governance as the council moves forward with its decision on the new city manager.