Middletown residents voice concerns over city manager appointment process

Residents of Middletown had the opportunity to voice their concerns during the City Council meeting on April 1, 2025, with a focus on the recent appointment of the new city manager, Ashley Combs. The council allotted one hour for public comments, allowing eight residents to present their views uninterrupted.

Melinda Stidham, co-founder of the Blueprint and a member of Middletown Connect, raised questions regarding the selection process for the new city manager. She expressed confusion over the decision to appoint Combs before the conclusion of a planned search for a permanent city manager. Stidham highlighted that residents were led to believe that the acting city manager roles would rotate between Nathan and Ashley for six months, and she questioned why the process was altered without clear communication to the public.

Following Stidham, Beth Birch also addressed the council, although her comments were not detailed in the transcript. The meeting format emphasized a professional presentation style, with residents instructed to state their names and addresses before speaking.

This meeting reflects the council's commitment to transparency and community engagement, as residents seek clarity on important governance decisions. The council's response to these concerns will be crucial in maintaining trust and ensuring that the community feels heard in future appointments and processes.