FILE: City Manager Robbie Rokovitz gives a verbal presentation highlighting the LOST proposal from the City of Cedartown. (Agnes Hagin/thepolkfishwrap.com)
“His qualifications are superb,” said City Commission Chairman Dale Tuck. “He’s young. It’s a step up for him.”
Tuck said Rokovitz has done an excellent job and she was impressed that he was up front about applying for the position in Hiram. She said he kept the commission posted as the application process moved forward.
His last day in Cedartown will be Aug. 31.
Rokovitz was hired October 2010, at a salary of $79,000. He had been the city manager of Holly Springs in Cherokee County.
She also said the city never expected someone with Rokovitz’ qualifications to stay more than just a few years here.
Still, she had hoped for a little longer.
“It’s with a heavy heart because we were in the middle of things,” she said.
Projects that are in progress are the construction of a new hospital, mediation with Polk County officials over Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) monies, and the $500,000 grant-funded West Gibson Street infrastructure project, Tuck said.
However, she also said Rokovitz has promised to come back and help at critical points during those projects. He has already discussed that with Hiram officials, she said.
“Most of this, he’s gotten us to a good spot. We’re in good shape with leadership. The City of Cedartown is going to be fine,” she said.
Leadership will come from Bill Fann, the city’s public works director and the number two person at city hall.
Tuck said there have been four city managers in the past four and a half years in Cedartown, but insists that is not unusual. She said the average city manager will stay in one place approximately three years, according to Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) data.
She said part of the reason is that, in many cases, city manager turnover are tied to elections. That isn’t the case here, she said.
Tuck said Rokovitz applied for the Hiram position simply because the opportunity was there.
“It’s just a wonderful opportunity for him and I don’t blame him one bit,” Tuck said.
The city will not go long without a city manager, she said.
Tuck said the commission will have a Aug. 27 called meeting, with a closed session as part of that, to discuss the position. Tuck said she expects the commission to issue an announcement afterward.
The city is also having a reception for Rokovitz to wish him well. It will be Tuesday, Aug. 28 at Cedartown City Hall from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Everyone is invited.
Post a Comment