Interim Manager Scott Adkins will be stepping aside on July 3
By Barb Pert Templeton
Marine City Manager Scott Adkins has been employed by the city in different capacities over the last three years but it seems his tasks might be winding down now as retirement looms.
The former longtime city manager in Roseville and city superintendent in St. Clair returned to the city manager’s office in Marine City on an interim basis in early June but just announced he will step down on July 31. Adkins had previously served 18-months, from April 2023 to Oct. 2024, as the Marine City manager before moving to a part-time special project’s administrator position.
“I was originally willing to serve up to 90 days in the interim role; however, I have a few family matters that I must give attention to,” Adkins said via email. “I have always held the belief of family first with employees that I have supervised and its time that I follow that advice myself.”
Adkins will still maintain his part-time role as a project’s administrator by contract although in a reduced capacity, he said.
“I will also remain a member of the Marine City Fire Department and as an arson investigator,” Adkins added. “And I will work to assist the city as much as possible in the city manager transition process.”
Marine City Interim Manager Scott Adkins.
The search for a new city manager has begun and in fact three members of the city commission, Mayor Jennifer Vandenbossche and commissioners Jacob Bryson and Trish May, makeup the search team and have already met to discuss strategy.
A three-page application for the city’s top spot notes the city is seeking a dynamic, community-oriented leader to serve as its next city manager. Ideally candidates should possess a four-year degree in public administration or closely related field and five years’ local government experience, preferably at the executive level.
The city manager post in Marine City calls for the individual to be chief administrative officer of the city government and shall be selected based on their executive and administrative qualifications. Any candidate for the opening should have special training in the field or previous experience as a city manager or as an assistant to a city manager.
The ideal candidate will be a motivated local government executive who is approachable, customer service and resident oriented, has a history of community involvement, possesses a positive and energetic style as well as a deep knowledge and experience plus key leadership attributes.
The starting salary range for the new manager is $94,000 to $101,000 based upon qualifications. Former City Manager Michael Reaves salary was $115,000 annually plus four weeks of paid vacation time.
The application posting also list challenges, opportunities and duties for the position.
Applicants are asked to submit a resume, cover letter, and five professional references by email to citymanager@marinecity.gov with the subject line: City Manager Search or by mail to: City of Marine City, 260 S. Parker Street, Marine City, MI 48039 Attn: Scott Adkins, Interim City Manager.
Candidates desiring confidentiality of their interest, as allowed for and provided by Michigan law, must indicate so within a separate subject line above the body of the cover letter.
Marine City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applications will be taken until the position has been filled.
To see the job application in its entirety go to the city website at marinecity.gov.
As to the background on the city manager’s post it goes as follows:
· Marine City Manager Michael Reaves resignation was formally accepted by the commission at a May 21 meeting and former City Manager Scott Adkins was then appointed the interim city manager. Reaves was hired in Oct. 2024.
· The ongoing musical chairs in the city manager’s office has meant several new faces over the last four years including Adkins, who spent about 18-months in that lead role before stepping down when Reaves was hired
· Right after that transition, Adkins agreed to stay on with the city as a part-time project administrator.
· Reaves resignation was effective June 4 and at that time Adkins returned on an interim basis as the at-will interim city manager. The contract stated Adkins would serve in the position for a term of 90-days, working 30 hours a week at a rate of $65 per hour.
· Adkins new contract also stated that the city or the employee (Adkins) could terminate the contract with 14 days written notice.
