Newberry commission authorizes negotiations to hire Mayor Jordan Marlow as city manager; interim manager arrangement authorized

The City Commission of Newberry on Feb. 10 authorized negotiations to hire Mayor Jordan Marlow as the city dministrator and directed staff to negotiate an interim contract for Dallas Lee while talks proceed. The motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: Longtime City Manager Mike Neu announced his departure earlier in the meeting, and commissioners said they want continuity as the city prepares for projects already underway. The decision to pursue an internal hire drew sustained public comment calling for a broader, more transparent search process.

Commissioner Coleman moved the two-part motion that authorized Mayor Pro Tem Clark to negotiate and execute a three-year employment agreement with Mayor Jordan Marlow to serve as city manager and authorized Mayor Marlow to negotiate and execute an employment contract with Dallas Lee as interim city manager. Commissioner Maison seconded. After public comment and discussion, commissioners voted in favor by voice vote.

Mayor Jordan Marlow accepted the directive to begin negotiations but told the commission he had logistical caveats. "I am willing, to enter into those negotiations with the mayor of Pro Tem. I would have a couple caveats," Marlow said, adding he needs to finish the current school year before taking on full-time city-manager duties and would be willing to negotiate different compensation terms.

Public commenters pressed the commission over the process. Resident Travis Adair criticized the move as insufficiently transparent, saying, "It is repugnant to me that you would choose a process for city manager when I know for sure your backup or your information in your packets has multiple different options on how you can go through, including staffing agencies...." Other residents, including Jason McGee and Joy Glanzer, said they respected the mayor and cautioned against repeating what they described as a partisan or backroom selection process.

Commissioners defended the action as consistent with prior practice used earlier this year when the commission pursued an external candidate who declined the job after negotiations. "If that's the person you want, don't go through the hoopla if you already know who you want," one commissioner said during debate.

Next steps: The commission authorized staff and the mayor pro tem to begin contract negotiations; any final employment agreements must be returned to the commission for formal approval in public session. The record shows the commission also directed staff to continue transition planning for the city manager's office while final terms are negotiated.

Ending: The motion carried unanimously. The commission indicated it will present any negotiated contract for public vote at a future meeting; in the meantime, commissioners said the city will pursue the interim arrangement to maintain continuity in operations.