GLADSTONE — A man with thirty years of experience will be temporarily taking the reigns of the City of Gladstone.

Eric Buckman was appointed interim city manager by the Gladstone City Commission at Monday night’s meeting. Buckman is the city’s water superintendent. He will serve as city manager until the commissioners hire a permanent replacement.

Buckman takes over for Darla Falcon, whose contract was not renewed last month. Mayor Pro-tem Joe Thompson tells ABC 10 that the search for a new city manager is in the early stages. The commission would like to have someone in place in the next six to nine months.