More than 25 candidates have applied to become the next city manager for the City of Brooksville. Among them are the city’s current Community Development Director, David Hainley, and Natalie Kahler, executive director of Brooksville Main Street.
During the June 19 regular meeting of the Brooksville City Council, now-retired City Manager Ron Snowberger announced that he would vacate the post on Aug. 15 in order to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests. Snowberger assumed the post in June 2021 after then-City Manager Mark Kutney was fired under a cloud of criticism, including his accidental sale of the city’s water tower.
Following Snowberger’s announcement, the city launched a nationwide search to fill the position, according to Brooksville Mayor Blake Bell. As of Aug. 22, about 25 candidates had applied for the job.
“We have had a tremendous number of applicants, and we expect to have the list narrowed down by Aug. 31,” Bell said. Once that has happened, the three or four finalists will participate in face-to-face interviews with the members of the City Council, and members of the community will meet those finalists during a social event on Sept. 28. “We hope to have a new manager (in place) by Jan. 1, 2024,” Bell said.
Currently, the Brooksville City Manager position carries an annual salary of between $105,000 and $110,000, depending on experience, Bell said.
“I don’t see that there will be an increase in that range,” he said.
Ultimately, Bell said that whoever is chosen to become Brooksville’s new City Manager will be committed to the position for the long haul. “Ron Snowberger has done a wonderful job, and I’m glad he is going to be able to enjoy his family,” he said. “I’m hoping this new city manager will be able to lead Brooksville 10 or 15 years into the future in the direction that looks like the new current council.”
