Frostburg City administrator Elizabeth to depart; public works director and project manager named acting leads

FROSTBURG — City Administrator Elizabeth confirmed at the Jan. 27 Frostburg City Council meeting that her last day will be the end of January and the council named internal staff to fill the role on an interim basis.

Beginning Feb. 1, Public Works Director Hayden Lindsey will assume the title of acting city administrator while retaining his public-works duties, and City Project Manager Lydia Clark will serve as acting deputy city administrator, council members said. The council said the acting split will divide external-facing duties (handled primarily by Lindsey) and internal administrative functions (handled primarily by Clark).

The council announced the position is posted on the city website and other government job boards, with an application window running about six weeks into early March. Councilors said they will appoint a committee from the community to screen applicants and that they hope to hire a permanent administrator by late April or early May, though they said an earlier hire remains possible depending on candidate quality.

During public comment a resident asked whether the staff members taking on extra responsibilities would be compensated; a council member answered that they are being compensated under the city's regular budgeted positions.

Council members publicly thanked Elizabeth for her service during the meeting. Elizabeth said working for Frostburg had been an honor and praised the city staff; she said the decision to leave was difficult and cited a desire for reduced 24/7 responsibility.

The council instructed staff to continue the advertised hiring process and to report back if timelines change.