Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents at Purcellville meeting urge reforms to make town manager role permanent and reduce turnover
Summary
Multiple residents warned the council that repeated turnover in the town manager role has harmed town services and finances and urged clear application criteria, robust interviews, and statutory compliance for any interim or permanent hire.
Several residents told the Aug. 10 special meeting they want changes to how Purcellville hires and protects the town manager position.
Dan Carville said the town has seen "about 9 or 10" managers over the past decade and that political appointments and churn have been costly. "We need stability for our staff. We need stability for our town," he said. Sarah Morgan and Beth Goldsmith echoed calls for following policy and procedure when filling the vacancy and for asking applicants specific, job-relevant questions.
Public commenters recommended that the council publish clear application materials (resume, letter of intent), define a submission window, and use consistent interview questions that probe candidates' community involvement and willingness to follow subject-matter experts. Erie Stout suggested questions such as how an applicant would address rising water rates and whether they would change their view after consulting experts.
Councilmembers and interim Town Manager Rogers committed to provide staff support for a transparent process and to return at the continued meeting with an achievable calendar for posting, applications, and interviews.
