Lovington commission approves advertising for assistant city manager job

The Lovington City Commission voted to approve Resolution 2026-073 to advertise an assistant city manager position during a special session.

The commission held an open-forum review of the proposed job description and posting, with staff and commissioners debating experience requirements, benefits language and pay range. A staff member told the commission, “This job description is accurate,” and confirmed the city maintains “an active 401(a) plan.” Commissioners settled on a 3–5 year suggested experience range to avoid excluding otherwise qualified candidates, rather than a firm five-year minimum.

Commissioners also discussed where and when to post the opening. Staff recommended local newspapers in Lovington and Hobbs and online listings such as Indeed; commissioners agreed to leave the announcement flexible and to expand the posting or repost if qualified applicants are not received. A staff member noted strong recent applicant interest for other city openings.

The commission debated wording about the assistant city manager’s reporting line. One commissioner argued the job description should tie the position to the city manager and typical chain of command so the position is not perceived as taking direction directly from the commission. Commissioners agreed to language that reflects the city’s hierarchy.

The motion to approve advertising, moved by a committee member and seconded by another committee member, passed by voice vote when commissioners answered in the affirmative. The action does not set a definitive start date for the position; staff suggested the earliest likely start could be July 1, depending on budget timing and applicant response.

The meeting concluded after the vote and the commission adjourned.