Kalispell manager deal rejected

Kalispell's top pick for a new city manager has declined to take the job.

Former Kokomo, Ind., Mayor Matt McKillip and Kalispell officials were unable to reach an agreement because McKillip wanted at least a five-year contract, Kalispell Mayor Pam Kennedy said Friday.

That's longer than the city was willing to go. Kennedy said manager contracts typically start at two or three years with one-year renewals.

"It was the lack of assuredness for a long-term commitment. He wanted some type of commitment for [up to] 10 years, and in city government we just can't guarantee that," she said.

McKillip and his wife are raising young children and are looking for a place they can grow up and stay settled.

McKillip said he told Kalispell officials early on that "if they wanted someone for the short term, I wasn't the one."

Kennedy said McKillip also had raised s about potential changes in the City Council roster after the November election, and that "made it more of a risk" moving here with a young family.

He has accepted a similar job in Indiana, but declined to reveal details until that community has made an announcement.

"The opportunity in Indiana is a better fit for me and my family," he said Friday, adding that "Kalispell is a fantastic community" and he was impressed with the recruiting process.

McKillip spent a considerable amount of time in Kalispell after being offered the job June 3. He told Kennedy he also was impressed with the caliber of the department heads and city employees and the professionalism of the City Council.

After Jim Patrick was fired as city manager last fall, the council opted to conduct its own search instead of relying on a hired consultant. Myrt Webb is serving as interim city manager.

The council will meet in special session at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall to discuss options.

Dayton, Ohio, Assistant City Manager Jane Howington was the council's second choice on June 3, but Kennedy said the council now wants to discuss all four remaining finalists.

Other contenders include Joseph Frei, a former city administrator in Columbus, Neb.; John "Jay" Krauss, city manager of Lewiston, Idaho; and Edwin Meece, Livingston's city manager.

McKillip was chosen over Howington on a split council vote. He was offered a $100,000 annual salary and had negotiated for more money, though the contract-length issue was the deal-breaker, Kennedy said.

The manager salary range goes to $125,000 at the high end, depending on experience.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com