Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Sarah Austin was officially offered a contract Tuesday night by the Portales City Council. Austin, the former village manager for Milan, has a six-month probationary term that both parties hope will be followed by a three-year agreement.
PORTALES - There was little doubt Sarah Austin would be hired as Portales' new city manager during Tuesday night's city council meeting, as she was already sitting in the dais' designated city manager seat when the meeting started.
Less than an hour later, assumptions became conclusions, as the council unanimously voted to offer Austin a contract following a 10-minute executive session.
The council in May authorized a contract negotiation with Austin, village manager for Milan, and the completed negotiation has Austin aboard on an $89,000 starting salary. The contract includes a probationary six-month term, and is followed by a three-year contract if both sides see fit to continue.
"It's a change of pace," said Austin, who spent the early portion of Tuesday getting to know her future staff. "Everybody has been very nice. I'm looking forward to the next six months."
She replaces Sammy Standefer, who retired May 28 after 29 years with the city and six at the top post.
In other business at the Tuesday meeting:
• The council honored J.C. Linthicum for 20 years of service, and credited him for improvements to the groundskeeping at the Portales Cemetery.
"I can't do it alone," Linthicum said, "and I appreciate all the help I get."
• The council approved a memorandum of agreement with the New Mexico Department of Transportation on a vehicle purchase for Portales Area Transit. Public Works Project Administrator Susan Baysinger said the new vehicle quote came in $8,343.16 higher than previously budgeted, but federal CARES Act dollars helped make up the gap.. Councilor Jim Lucero asked why the price was so much higher. Baysinger said some of the criteria for the vehicles changed, and the city had to get a different model of vehicle. Lucero said he was fine with the change, since the city got better vehicle and offset the costs with federal money.
• The council approved a contract with CDM Smith for $53,500 for groundwater and reporting at the former city landfill. Public Works Director John DeSha said the city is required to monitor the area for 30 years following the landfill closure.
• The next council meeting is scheduled for June 22.
