Steubenville Charter Review Committee debates qualifications for city manager role

The Steubenville Charter Review Committee is reviewing a few changes that were proposed to be put on the ballot for November's general election.

However, before anything can be added, there are a few discussions that are taking place.

The committee convened two weeks ago to approve the final draft of its charter report, which includes changes that were discussed on the council floor.

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In the final draft, the change that drew most attention was the language for the city manager's qualifications. Currently, the candidate must have an undergraduate degree coupled with one of the following: At least two years’ experience as a manager, administrator or comparable experience as an assistant manager or assistant administrator in a municipality or county. Or they could have the degree, plus at least five years of experience as an executive officer or chief fiscal officer of any business or governmental entity.

"Now, we are putting in the word 'or' so you can have a college degree or you can have two years as an assistant manager, manager somewhere else in government,” Committee Chair Willie Paul said.

Some council members support the proposal stating that work experience is just as valuable as a degree.

"I don’t have an education, but I know I made six figures for the last 30 years,” Councilman David Albaugh said. “So, was education part of that? No. But what I did was work. I don't see that education is the end all or fix all."

Others do not support the change, stating that by easing the qualifications, it could send the wrong message.

"I am just concerned with changing that now and changing it in our charter that it is sending the message that we are not holding a higher standard for our city manager, potentially a $60 million operation that they are overseeing and numerous people who report to them,” Councilman Michael Hernon said. “Their positions require a degree."

Paul said the charter committee does not have to get council's approval, but it wanted to include council on this conversation because the decision will ultimately be up to their constituents.

Paul plans to go council next Tuesday to finalize everything, so if something does need to go on the November general election ballot the city law director has time to submit the final wording, which is due 90 days prior to the election.