Lovington commission approves advertising for assistant city manager position

The Lovington City Commission voted to approve advertising for an assistant city manager, adopting Resolution 2026-073 after a short discussion about the job announcement, qualifications and compensation.

Commissioners and staff reviewed a draft job description and application announcement at the special session. Staff told the commission the city maintains an active 401a retirement plan; commissioners agreed not to publish the entire job handbook in the public notice but to make key duties available to candidates later in the hiring process. Several members recommended listing required compliance with standard city employment policies (background check, drug test, valid driver’s license) as part of hiring but not enumerating every handbook item in the public posting.

The commission debated minimum experience and recruitment language. Commissioners agreed that a 3–5 year range for relevant experience would be acceptable rather than a strict five-year requirement, to avoid discouraging otherwise qualified applicants. Staff presented local salary comparisons from other New Mexico cities and reported strong recent applicant response to other city postings, which informed a discussion about market competitiveness and whether the salary range should be adjusted if initial recruitment falls short.

Members also discussed posting logistics and timing. The commission agreed to post the announcement locally (Lovington and Hobbs) and online (including Indeed.com) and to leave the position’s official start date out of the public posting to preserve flexibility; staff estimated the earliest possible start could be July 1 if budget adjustments allow.

Commissioners asked whether a city vehicle should be offered as part of the position. Staff noted a prior assistant city manager had been given a city car and suggested using an existing fleet vehicle if appropriate; the commission agreed to consider using an available vehicle and to revisit the topic in the fall rather than budgeting for a new purchase immediately.

After the discussion, a commissioner moved to approve Resolution 2026-073 to advertise the assistant city manager position; another commissioner seconded the motion. The commission called the question and recorded affirmative votes — including Commissioner Rodriguez, Commissioner Berry, Commissioner Ramon and Mayor Roberts — and the resolution passed. The chair directed staff to finalize edits to the announcement and distribute the posting to the clerk for immediate publication.

With that action complete, the chair declared the agenda items exhausted and adjourned the meeting.