Lewistown extends City Manager Holly Phelps contract for one year after mixed public comment

The City Commission voted to extend City Manager Holly Phelps contract for one year with no changes to the existing terms.

Phelps said the extension stems from her recent performance review and existing contract timelines and confirmed "there were no modifications or changes to the existing contract, simply a 1 year extension." The extension was framed by commissioners as tied to an improvement plan with quarterly reviews.

Commissioner Robertson read a prepared statement support­ing the extension, saying she had "spent a great deal of time considering" the timing and listing three reasons to renew the contract now, including the completion of a recent review and the need for continuity through planned improvement deadlines. Robertson told the commission she had seen no proven suggestion of material financial mismanagement and emphasized the citys departmental successes.

Members of the public urged caution. One resident said they did not favor a full-year extension and suggested shortening the term to allow incoming commissioners a chance to evaluate performance; that commenter also raised broader concerns about structural challenges in city operations and staffing.

Commissioner Speaker moved to approve a one-year extension of the city manager contract and Commissioner Bueller seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with six ayes and one absent. The extension takes effect per the contract schedule discussed at the meeting.

City staff said the commission will monitor quarterly progress on the improvement plan and return to the commission if additional action is needed.