Hutchinson council names Gary Meagher interim city manager, his second turn in the job

The city announced Monday, Sept. 14, that the Hutchinson City Council approved Gary Meagher as interim city manager, effective immediately — filling the top administrative job while the council decides how to hire permanently.

Prior local coverage described the two resignations as abrupt and unexpected. The city's release does not mention either departure or say who is handling the assistant city attorney's duties, and no reason for the resignations has been made public.

According to the city, Meagher held the same interim post in Hutchinson in 2022 and spent 10 years as Reno County administrator, with more than three decades of local government experience. That 2022 appointment came after a previous city manager's contract was not renewed, making this the second time in roughly four years that Hutchinson has run its organization with a temporary administrator.

Mayor Scott Meggers said in the release, "Gary brings a tremendous amount of local government experience and familiarity with Hutchinson, and we are confident in his ability to help lead the organization during this transition."

The release says Meagher will provide leadership and continuity as the council determines next steps for the permanent city manager position, but it announces no search process or timeline, no term length or end date, no salary and no vote count for the appointment.

The city has not said when the council will take up the permanent hire. Council agendas and meeting information are posted on the city of Hutchinson's website, and council meetings are open to the public.

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