Ishpeming’s city manager contract approved

The Ishpeming City Council approved the new city manager’s contract Tuesday afternoon.

Mark Slown was hired as Ishpeming’s new city manager earlier this month.

One of the first items of business he will have to work on is getting the city back on track with its finances.

“(Slown’s) challenge is going to be how you increase our fund balance while still moving forward on on the critical infrastructure projects that need to happen,” Ishemping’s Interim City Manager Jon Kangas said.  “My guess is, and you’ll see in his contract, that grant writing will be–it always has been–but it will continue to be a point of focus.”

Slown’s contract states that a $100 fee will be paid to the city manager for grants up to $100,000; and a $200 fee for grants over $100,000.  The city manager’s fees for grant writing will not exceed $400 per year.

The council is hoping with Slown’s experience in city finances will help put Ishpeming’s finances in order.

“I would believe that he has more experience dealing with city financial issues than I ever had,” Kangas said.  “And I’m thankful we’re getting an experienced manager–not that we didn’t have an experienced guy before–but he (Slown) has more experience, I believe.  He seems to have a pretty good understanding of what the city needs right now.”

Slown’s contract will be renewed on a yearly basis.

His first day as city manager is October 29.