Goldsboro hires city manager from Laurinburg
By Barbara Arntsen
Published in News on December 14, 2004 2:12 PM
Goldsboro's new city manager is from North Carolina, beating out candidates from Florida, Virginia and New Hampshire.
After interviewing five candidates for the position of city manager last month, the Goldsboro City Council voted unanimously today to offer the job to Joseph R. Huffman.
Huffman, currently the city manager in Laurinburg, has more than five years of experience as a city manager. He started out in an administrative position in Elkin in 1989, but was promoted to town manager in 1990. He then became city manager in Havelock from 1994 to 1999 before accepting the position of city manager in Laurinburg in 1999.
Huffman has a master's degree in public administration from Appalachian State University and has received certification from the International City/County Management Association.
He will begin work on Jan. 24.
Last week the council voted to keep City Manager Richard Slozak on for another month. Slozak, who announced last summer that he would retire at the end of December, agreed to stay on until Feb. 2.
Huffman will receive an annual salary of $125,000 with a monthly vehicle allowance of $500. Slozak's base salary is $131,560.
He will also receive mileage pay when he uses his personal vehicle for city-related trips 50 miles or more beyond the city limits.
The city will pay for moving expenses, not to exceed $7,500.
The city will also pay Huffman for the rental of an apartment and utility bills for a six-month period up to $1,000 a month until he can purchase a home.
Professional fees and dues for Huffman will be paid by the city, including monthly dues in a local civic club.
His performance, salary and benefits will be evaluated on an annual basis by members of the council.
If Huffman is terminated without cause, he will receive a six-month severance covering salary, insurance and benefits.
He will not receive a severance if he is terminated for cause.
Huffman must live within the city limits and cannot accept outside employment without the approval of the council.
City Attorney Tim Finan, who negotiated the new contract, said that both Huffman and his wife, Patty, were excited about coming to Goldsboro.
"He hopes to make it up here for a visit before he starts work," Finan said. "But he's ready to hit the ground running."