The Hollister City Council is ready to hire a new city manager,
Dale Shaddox, who currently holds the same position for the City of
Cotati.
The Hollister City Council is ready to hire a new city manager, Dale Shaddox, who currently holds the same position for the City of Cotati.
The search that began when George Lewis retired Jan. 13 will conclude tonight during a special meeting if the Council approves a resolution to offer Shaddox the position that pays between $98,000 and $120,000 annually.
If approved, Shaddox, who has more than 29 years of city government experience, said he will likely start May 19 because of an obligation to give notice to Cotati officials. Cotati is in Sonoma County.
Shaddox, 51, said he pursued the Hollister job because of the “beautiful setting.”
“I’ve gotten to that point, I feel like I’ve finally hit that stride, he said. “You develop a sense about it. It’s the most productive time of my career, and I feel really good about it.”
Shaddox, one of four finalists interviewed more than three weeks ago by the Council, said he is qualified because of a “breadth of experience” in city government and spending several years in other city manager positions.
Shaddox has been Cotati’s city manager for three years and was city manager in Yreka from 1995-2000.
Aside from the top post, Cotati said he has worked in California city government for nearly three decades, including positions in Orange County and Chico.
“I worked through the ranks in a number of different departments,” he said.
Shaddox also said he felt competent in leading Hollister through its wastewater problems stemming from a 15-million gallon sewage spill in May.
“I have experience with that (sewage problems),” he said.
The Council hired Bob Murray and Associates – an executive search firm – as a consultant to lead a nationwide recruitment for Lewis’ replacement for a cost of $25,000.
Interim City Manager Ed Kreins said he had not planned on staying until the middle of May, but he would accommodate the city if necessary.
“Between now and then, if Ed (Kreins) can’t stay, I’m sure we can work something out,” Councilman Tony LoBue said.
Shaddox earned a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Chico and has a bachelor’s of science degree in biology from CSU, Fullerton. He also is a graduate of Cyprus College.
Kreins, 68, said he has enjoyed his experience in Hollister, his sixth job as an interim city manager.
“It wears you out,” he said. “You think you’re still young until you do it for three months and realize otherwise.”
