Pinetop-Lakeside council appoints Rick Miller as interim town manager

The Pinetop-Lakeside Town Council unanimously appointed Rick Miller as interim town manager during a special meeting. Miller, a member of the Pinetop-Lakeside Planning and Zoning Commission and a local government official with more than 45 years of experience, addressed the council before the vote and outlined immediate priorities including completing the town’s budget process.

The appointment matters because the interim manager will guide day-to-day operations and lead the town through its budget timeline. Council members repeatedly emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency as part of their rationale for selecting an interim manager who can move quickly on those tasks.

Miller spoke to the council about his background and approach. “Transparency is critical, especially when it comes to the citizens of your community,” he said, describing public information and regular departmental coordination as central to his management style. He said he has worked in municipal roles in Rapid City, South Dakota; Casa Grande and Coolidge, Arizona; and in interim and contract positions in other Arizona municipalities. He told the council he would prioritize presenting a balanced budget and holding weekly department head meetings to identify needs and share resources.

On questions from the council, Miller declined to be offended if the council sought additional candidates for the interim role, saying, “I would not be offended.” He also told the council he could begin work immediately if offered the position, but noted a prior commitment: he will be away for a church camp next week where he is responsible for cooking for about 150 young men. “A town manager works 24/7,” Miller added, saying he could be reached in an emergency while fulfilling that commitment.

Council discussion included concern about vetting alternatives and a focus on transparency and the budget timeline. Councilor Heizer explicitly asked whether the council should take more time to look for other candidates; Miller encouraged careful consideration but did not object to further vetting. Councilman Taber, after prior conversations with Miller, told the meeting he felt comfortable with the appointment: “I am very comfortable with the conversations we've had.”

Council vice mayor moved to appoint Miller as interim town manager effective immediately; another council member seconded the motion. The council adopted the appointment by a unanimous voice/hand vote. The presiding official stated, “That carries unanimously,” and welcomed Miller aboard.

Council members also thanked Christie (the town clerk who has been acting in an interim capacity), Mackenzie, Jeremiah and Stacy for covering operations during the vacancy. The council adjourned the special meeting and planned a short break before resuming work on the town budget.

Formal action: the council approved the appointment of Rick Miller as interim town manager; the motion passed unanimously by voice/raised-hands vote. The council discussed but did not set a public deadline for the interim appointment or any transition milestones during the meeting.