Mike Connors stepping down from post on Jan. 3
ALMONT — The search is on for a successor to Almont Village Manager Mike Connors.
After four years as manager, Connors will be leaving his position on Jan. 3, 2021.
Almont Village Council President Steve Schneider said Connors announced his intentions during a closed session meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
He said Connors plans to transition from municipal government to working in the private sector.
“Mike had been doing a good job for us,” said Schneider. “We were pleased with his performance.
“I believe the council would have renewed his next contract, but he decided to go another direction.”
Schneider said the job vacancy was posted and the council formed a search/selection committee consisting of himself, Council President Pro-Tem Tim Dyke and Councilwoman Melinda Steffler.
Nov. 9 deadline
Almont Clerk-Treasurer Kim Keesler said seven people have filed applications thus far, with the filing deadline scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9.
“It’s a very challenging job,” Schneider said. “Ideally, we’re looking for someone with significant past experience.”
He said the search committee plans to review each of the candidates’ resumes and narrow the list to a small group of finalists to be interviewed.
If possible, Schneider said the council prefers to “act quickly” to fill the vacancy.
Noting that the council will have some new members after the (Nov. 4) election, he said it is imperative that the new manager possess leadership qualities.
“There is always a learning curve for people coming on council for the first time,” said Schneider. “It takes some time for people to learn the dynamics of the situations and challenges to be dealt with.” Keesler said there had been some discussion about hiring an “interim manager” should an ideal candidate not emerge.
“Hiring an interim can be very costly, though,” Schneider said. “We’re hoping not to have to take that route.”
Connors arrived in Almont in January 2017, having significant experience in planning and economic development.
His initial two-year contract included an annual salary of $60,000.
He was currently being paid at the rate of $76,385 per year, along with an enhanced benefits package.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
