Search for New City Manager Begins Next Week

The Kennesaw City Council will get its first look at the plan for the search for and hiring of a new city manager during their regular work session on Feb. 25, the city’s website says.

Human Resources Director LisaRae Jones is expected to present the plan for replacing outgoing city manager Steve Kennedy during the 6 p.m. work session at Kennesaw City Hall, located at 2529 J O Stephenson Ave.

Steve Kennedy, the longtime city manager, did not have his contract renewed after it expired on Dec. 31, but was only officially let go by the city on Feb. 4. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Kennedy, who had held the post since 2004, was given $50,000 in severance pay, six months of health insurance coverage, and other benefits.

Kennedy stirred up a bit of controversy the day after his contract was not renewed when he showed up to work as usual and invited the city council to sit in on a transition meeting he held with his staff. Several council members told the Marietta Daily Journal that they were surprised that Kennedy showed up to work on Tuesday, with councilwoman Debra Williams chastising Mayor Mark Mathews for a liberal interpretation of Kennedy’s contract.

According to the city, candidates from across the country are welcome to submit resumes for the vacant position once it is officially announced, though there is no timetable set on the length of the search.

Assistant City Manager Jeff Drobney will serve as the interim manager while the search is in progress, the city says.