Davis Farrar (pronounced Fair-er) is back in Rifle for another four month stint as Interim City Manager after the recent departure of Jim Nichols. Because of his familiarity with the City staff, elected boards and City projects, the Rifle City Council approved a contract with Davis in early March. Last fall, the City priorities were hiring the City Manager and completing the budget. This spring, hiring a new City Manager remains the highest priority for City Council, but there are several major projects in the works that must be kept moving in a positive direction. One key project is the Rifle Municipal Pool. This venture was approved by voters last September to allow the City to spend up to $6 million on a new facility. However, pricing on the more refined schematic design indicates that projected costs are closer to $9.5 million. Davis, the Council and staff are working on other options and hope to develop a scaled-back version running closer to $7 million.
The City will again be working with Slavin Management Consultants on the City Manager search. Their contract provides for another search at no cost if the City Manager departed before two years. Davis and the Council have asked Slavin make an extra effort to solicit Colorado applicants to ensure a better fit and understanding of our Rifle, Colorado culture. One never knows what the field of candidates will look like, but the City is hoping for a good slate to choose from. Davis says he is “excited to work again with the Council and excellent City staff to move the projects forward and secure a first-rate City Manager.” Davis will be working three days a week at City Hall and his typical schedule will be Monday, Thursday and Friday with some variation. Feel free to stop by his office and say hello or catch him for a chat when he is out and about.
Media Contact: Kathy Pototsky, 970-319-8288