It is likely Gerald C. Smith will become the new city manager in Junction City.

The Herald Star and Weirton Daily Times newspaper in Steubenville, Ohio has reported that Gerald C. Smith has turned down the city manager job in that community.

Third Ward Councilman Greg Metcalf told the newspaper that Smith had called him to say that he was turning down the job in that city, and apparently Junction City, Kansas had made a better benefits package offer to Smith.  Metcalf said it was his understanding that the details of the full offer were still being negotiated, but Smith said he was going to accept the Kansas offer.

Smith was the sole remaining candidate for the job in Steubenville so that city will have to re-advertise for the position.

Smith was one of four finalists named by Junction City officials in their search for a new city manager. His career has included more than 20 years in municipal management. According to bio information released by the city, as director of a large department in Kansas City for six years he was responsible for an $89 million budget and 280 employees providing purchasing, fleet, and facilities management, security, workplace safety, and records management services. He also has served as Village Administrator in two cities in the Chicago metropolitan area, North Chicago and Riverdale.

Junction City Mayor Cecil Aska said after the City Commission meeting this week that there were two finalists for the city manager position, but didn’t name them. He stated, “I hope that we’ll have this all figured out for the October 1 meeting, that maybe we’ll be able to talk about a contract.”  At this point Junction City officials have not yet announced the hiring of a new city manager.

The City is seeking a successor to Gerry Vernon, who stepped down in May to become the City Administrator for Mission, Kansas.