Following an executive session Monday night, Bridgeport City Council announced who would serve as interim city manager from July through August 1. Long-time Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker will assume the duties, Mayor Andy Lang confirmed.

 

The need for an interim manager arose as the result of Council opting not to renew current City Manager Kim Haws’ contract. Haws, who has served for 20 years as city manager, will no longer be in the position of chief city administrator after June 30.

 

Council announced on June 10 it would be hiring Randy Wetmore of Statesboro, Ga., for the position of City Manager. He will be the third city manager in the city’s history after Haws and the late Harold Weiler.

 

Last week, Lang said the contract between the city and Wetmore had not been signed. However, during this evening’s work session Lang told those gathered the contract between the two parties was finalized.

 

“He’s expected to be in the city around June 27. He’s got an apartment and his intent is to be in office on August 1,” said Lang. “His first Council meeting will be August 12.”

 

Also, at the July 8 meeting, City Clerk Donna Krivosky said Harrison County Circuit Judge Chris McCarthy will officially swear in new Council member Don Burton and incumbent Jeff Smell. Wetmore will ceremonially be sworn in at the first meeting in August, which is August 12, after officials said he’ll take the oath on August 1.

 

The search for a city manager was done nationwide and with the assistance of GovHR, a consulting firm which provides executive recruiting, among other human resource services. From a pool of candidates, 16 were initially considered and four interviewed. Wetmore was the individual chosen by Council.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Mayor Andy Lang at Monday's work session prior to the start of the regular session of Council, while Chief John Walker is shown below.