New Lincoln city manager selected

Lincoln City Council announced Wednesday that Sean Scully will become Lincoln's new city manager. Formal action on his employment contract is scheduled for the Dec. 14 regular City Council meeting. Scully is currently the Riverbank city manager, where he has served since January 2017. He also worked for the city of Gustine for seven years, including two as city manager. Scully worked three years in planning and economic development capacities in Turlock. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree from California State University at Monterey Bay and a master degree in public administration from California State University at Stanislaus. The last city manager was Jennifer Hanson, who left in late May to become Nevada Irrigation District (NID) general manager in Grass Valley. Since June 7, 41-year city management veteran Mark Scott has served as Lincoln's interim city manager. Lincoln City Councilman Paul Joiner noted the importance of the city manager's position. "The role of the city manager is essential to our community," Joiner said. "The city manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the city of Lincoln, and all city employees, with the exception of the city attorney, work for the city manager." According to the city of Lincoln's job description on its website: "Lincoln's City Manager is responsible for carrying out the policies and programs of the City as directed by the City Council. All City services are under the direction of the City Manager. As the chief executive for the City organization, the City Manager must provide a balance between the desired level of municipal services and the available revenue to provide those services. The City Manager's office also administers the City's personnel functions, public information activities, oversees economic development activities and records management operations. The City Manager also serves as the Executive Director of the Redevelopment Agency and the Lincoln Public Financing Authority." The hiring process to fulfill this position consisted of initial interviews, followed by a second interview, background checks and negotiation of contract terms. Joiner also said that the hiring process of the new city manager "has been less difficult than in the past." Lincoln Mayor Alyssa Silhi and Interim City Manager Mark Scott both agreed that the recruitment process for the new city manager has been positive and encouraging. "It is always validating to meet talented people who find inspiration in one's city and its mission," Scott explained. "The City Council and recruiter did a very thorough review of candidates, eventually narrowed the field and are now focused on one candidate." Joiner said that the council "has found someone who is a good fit for the community, who really wants to be here, and who has the potential to serve the city of Lincoln for a long time." The city received many talented candidates, according to Silhi. Silhi said that the council is "excited about the individual we are bringing forward to manage the city. This position is integral to the quality of life, fiscal health and sustainability of Lincoln now and into the future."