City Council Appoints New City Manager

BY: BETSY SINN
October 3, 2007

Oxford City Council last night appointed Douglas Elliott Jr. as Oxford’s new city manager.

From 2006 to 2007, Elliott worked as assistant to the city manager in Painesville, Ohio. He also served as city manager in Somersworth, N. H., from 1990 to 2004.

The city has been looking for a replacement since former city manager, Jane Howington, resigned in June. Howington left her position in Oxford for an assistant city manager position in Dayton. Service Director Michael Dreisbach filled the position of interim city manager after Howington left.

“I have served the city as service director for almost 10 years now. Over time, my role with the city has grown substantially to also include oversight of the Engineering Division, Park Maintenance, Division, and Environmental Affairs,” said Dreisbach.

City Council’s efforts to find a new city manager were facilitated by Mercer Group Inc., a management consulting firm. The firm specializes in consulting for local, state and federal governments, transit authorities, private-sector clients, utilities and healthcare providers.

The Mercer Group advertised for the position and reviewed the resumes of applicants. After reviewing resumes, City Council invited two to visit Oxford.

Elliott and Mark Jackson, the city administrator for Story City, Iowa, came to Oxford in late September to interview with the city and meet community members at open forums.

Vice-Mayor Prue Dana said she was impressed by what both candidates had to say and how they handled themselves.

While both applicants had similar past experiences in government, City Council thought Elliott would do a better job in a small college town atmosphere like Oxford.

Elliott has experience working in a college town. During his employment with the city of Painesville, he worked with Lake Erie College.

Elliott will take over as city manager Nov. 12.

Dreisbach will continue as interim city manager until Elliott arrives.

“I will miss the direct interaction with the City Council the most. As a department head, by design I am somewhat insulated from Council by the city manager. I was happy to serve during the interim period. Working for Oxford has been the best job in my career, and I will always do whatever is needed when asked to serve,” said Dreisbach.

Dana thanked Mercer Group for its search for suitable candidates.

“The search was very thorough and satisfactory. We had a chance to meet with the two finalists and talk about what their thoughts and feelings were towards the city of Oxford,” said Dana.

“I would advise Doug [Elliott] to get acclimated as quickly as possible and keep the Council as fully informed on issues as possible,” said Dreisbach.

“It seems that when there is sometimes dissatisfaction with a party, it may often be attributed to a lack of good communication between the two parties,” said Dreisbach.