Prior Lake City Council approves city manager job description, salary range

Prior Lake American

The city of Prior Lake is continuing the process of searching for a replacement for City Manager Frank Boyles, after he announced his retirement, effective in March 2019.

During a regular meeting on Tuesday, the Prior Lake City Council approved a description of duties and salary range for the position to be posted as part of the search.

A consultant, approved by the council on Aug. 6, recommended a salary range of $129,000 to $165,000 based on comparison to other cities and an analysis of the current market.

The 2019 budget includes the maximum amount proposed. According to the city website, Boyles made nearly $135,800 in 2016 with longevity pay of $22,500.

The consultant also developed a job description and position profile through meetings with the mayor, city council members, staff and a focus group consisting of advisory board chairs.

The duties of the city manager include serving as the city's public information representative, responding to requests and problems, recommending adoption of ordinances and resolutions, providing organization leadership, ensuring accountability, reporting to the city council and much more.

Desired traits for the next city manager of Prior Lake, according to the job description, is someone with: A background in organization leadership, honesty and integrity, decision-making abilities, communication and persuasion skills, financial management skills, a "can do" spirit and more.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in public administration, urban studies, business or a related field, 10 years of administrative experience as a city manager, city administrator or department manager and five years of supervisory experience.

Applications for the position are due by Oct. 3. Finalists will be selected by Nov. 5 and interviews will be held on Dec. 5.