Water rate forecast also up for review at Monday’s study session
By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news
The Ashland City Council will discuss hiring a recruiting firm or appointing an individual on a “pro tem” or temporary basis to fill the city manager position during council’s Monday study session.
The city’s human resources department has funds available to hire a recruitment firm. Council could also choose to appoint an individual to the position of city manager on an interim basis and wait to consider a recruiting firm, or make a pro tem appointment and approach a recruiting firm. An appointed pro tem city manager would have all the authority of a permanent city manager with the exception of removing department heads without City Council’s prior approval, according to meeting materials.
The City Council unanimously voted on Nov. 7 to temporarily promote former Deputy City Manager Sabrina Cotta to acting city manager. As acting city manager, Cotta is expected to take over the duties and projects of her predecessor. Her position expires on Jan. 31 unless extended or altered by council. The office of city manager was left vacant when outgoing City Manager Joe Lessard resigned on Oct. 27.
Council will also hear a presentation on water rate forecasting from Public Works Director Scott Fleury. The forecast for rate changes in water related utilities will be six years into the future, and include a discussion of utility rate affordability, according to meeting materials.
The study session begins at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 20, in the Ashland City Council chamber, 1175 E. Main St. The meeting can be attended in person or watched remotely through Channel 9 or Channels 180 and 181 (Charter Communications) or live streamed via rvtv.sou.edu select RVTV Prime.
Public testimony will be accepted for the meeting and can be delivered either via Zoom, in person, or as written comment. To sign up for public comment, fill out the public testimony form.
Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at [email protected].
