By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Goessel resident Matt Stiles will begin duties as Hillsboro city administrator June 15.

The timing will give him two weeks to work with retiring city administrator of 12 years Larry Paine, whose last day on the job will be June 30.

Stiles said city financial planning is at the top of his punch list.

“We’re going to have to address the financial impact of the pandemic first,” he said. “That will be the top priority right away.”

The city’s strategic plan is also high on his list. He also wants to emphasize economic development, growth of new businesses, and expansion of existing businesses.

Stiles has been program manager and instructor at Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center for two years.

He was city administrator of South Hutchinson for more than seven years, and assistant city manager at Bel Aire for nearly three years.

Hillsboro city council members on Tuesday approved an employment contract for Stiles.

The contract, running June 15 to Dec. 31, 2021, gives him $110,000 annual salary plus cost of living, merit and step increases, and bonuses as required by city policy, a $4,800 annual car allowance, a cell phone allowance, and a typical benefits package.

He will be required to move to Hillsboro within six months, and be reimbursed up to $2,000 for moving expenses.

Mayor Lou Thurston said Osenbaugh Consulting did an excellent job of recruiting and screening candidates for the position. Don Osenbaugh was interim city administrator when Paine was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. The firm advertised the position, reviewed resumes, and narrowed down applicants before council members interviewed candidates.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to have Matt come on board and help lead our team,” Thurston said.