By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
Bryan Carter was named St. Joseph’s next city manager Tuesday after taking over the role on an interim basis in January.
Following a review of the top 17 finalists from a field of 50 applicants, the St. Joseph City Council discussed their pick for the position. The council's decision to hire Carter was unanimous.
"That means a great deal," Carter said of the council's vote. "I mean, it's quite humbling. I was shocked to be offered the position at this time, and to know there was unanimous support was significantly important to me."
Carter started working at city hall as assistant city attorney in 2011 before being named the city attorney in 2015.
Carter was tapped as interim city administrator on January 14 after Gary Edwards' resignation.
Mayor Bill McMurray says Carter's approach to the role of city administrator since mid-January was highly encouraging.
"Bryan willingly and energetically stepped into the interim role and has been impressive since the first day," McMurray remarked. "He's very familiar with the organization and all aspects of services we provide. He's responsive, detailed and possesses excellent communications skills."
When Carter was appointed as interim city manager, he initially didn't plan on applying for the full-time position. He didn't believe his legal background as a lawyer would translate well into becoming city manager.
As time went on, Carter found that the transition was a smooth one, and the work became enjoyable.
"Once I got into doing the job and saw the way in which the skills I developed as a lawyer translated into my work in the interim city manager role," Carter said, "I saw there was a great deal of translation. With that, I also enjoyed the work."
Carter pointed out the city's budget as the most immediate issue he's working with council on.
"We've kind of just come through budget preparation season," he said. "Now, we have to start working with the city council to go through the decision-making process and make sure that budget reflects their priorities."
Carter also mentioned a couple of other key projects that he looks to forward to working on more going forward.
"We've worked a great deal lately on the Krug Park Ampitheater project," Carter said. "That's going to continue to be a focus. We're also working on redistricting as we prepare for the next city council election (in 2022)."
Carter's interim title is set to be officially removed at a city council meeting on May 3. His contract will be renewed annually, and his starting salary will be $169,000.
McMurray is thrilled that the council unanimously threw their support behind Carter, and he looks forward to working with him in his final year as mayor.
"I mean, a unanimous vote of the council is in and of itself something we don't see every single day," McMurray said. "I really have enjoyed working with Bryan. In my last run around the track here as mayor, I'm going to enjoy working with Bryan. I'm looking forward to it."
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