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Boyne City narrows interim city‑manager field after three lengthy candidate interviews
Summary
Commissioners interviewed three finalists for interim city manager — Chris Brown, Ted Aneski and Jeff Thornton — and signaled preference for two finalists while asking staff to invite the top choice back for follow‑up and possible negotiations next week.
Boyne City commissioners spent the afternoon interviewing three finalists for interim city manager and agreed to pursue follow‑up conversations with the two candidates who stood out during the panel interviews. The finalists were Chris Brown, who described nearly 20 years in county and village government and work on water grants and asset management; Ted Aneski, a former mayor and city manager with interim experience; and Jeff Thornton, a manager with longer municipal tenure and prior interim assignments.
The panel did not make an appointment on the spot. Commissioners said they wanted time to compare written responses, probe follow‑up questions and consult the city attorney before any offer is made. Commissioners indicated two candidates rose to the top in their scoring and asked staff to invite the lead candidate back for a follow‑up meeting next week so the commission could hold a closed‑session negotiation if needed.
During the interviews, candidates were asked a battery of behavioral and technical questions about budgeting, capital projects, debt management, emergency response and public engagement. Chris Brown described leading a community rate study and securing state and federal grants for water infrastructure; Ted Aneski emphasized his experience steering cities through floods and fiscal stress; Jeff Thornton highlighted multi‑million‑dollar public works procurements and a record of budget prudence. Each candidate said they would be available to serve as an interim, with varying levels of interest in a permanent appointment.
Commissioners and staff said the next steps will include a legal briefing on any items that could affect hiring terms, verification of references and background checks already requested of the candidates. The commission asked administration to arrange follow‑up availability and to notify candidates of the expected timeline. No appointment was made and no compensation or contract terms were discussed publicly at the meeting.
The commission is expected to continue deliberations next week, including a planned legal briefing and the possibility of confidential bargaining sessions if the top candidate is willing to discuss terms.
