Columbia Falls selects Utah man for city manager position

The former finance director for the city of Moab, Utah has been tapped to be the new city manager of Columbia Falls.

Ben Billingsley was city finance director for Moab from 2021 to 2023, an 18-month tenure. He told the local newspaper in Moab he resigned to spend more time with family.

Previously, he served as the district manager for the Washington County Solid Waste District. And prior to that he was the finance director for Apple Valley, Utah. He also has more than 10 years of experience in private sector finance. He holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from Utah Valley University and a master’s degree in public administration from Southern Utah University.  

Contract negotiations are underway and the hire is contingent on a successful background check, but at a recent Columbia Falls City Council meeting, Mayor Don Barnhart indicated Billingsley may start as soon as this month. Still, City Attorney Justin Breck said it could take until early September to negotiate a contract. 

Interim city manager Clint Peters also interviewed for the job during a special executive session where both men were questioned separately on July 23. 

Council in full will vote on a final contract when it’s available. Billingsley could not be reached for comment.