At a Monday meeting, the Nome Common Council approved a contract with William Lee Smith III to serve as the next City Manager, concluding a six month search to fill the municipality’s top administrative role.
Smith brings decades of municipal leadership experience to the position. He previously served as County Manager for Chatham County in Savannah, GA, from 2014 to 2022. City of Nome Mayor John Handeland, said he expected Smith to arrive in Nome Wednesday.
“I think there will be a whole bunch of people there wanting to meet him at the airport to just make sure he gets off the plane,” Handeland said. “He's excited as can be, to be here, and I think he'll be a great asset and addition to our community.”
The contract outlines a five-year term, with an annual base salary of $210,000 and eligibility for performance-based adjustments each year. The salary is at the top end of a wage range the city advertised for the position.
In addition to his salary, the agreement provides for several benefits including a moving allowance of up to $9,000, a city vehicle for official use, and an apartment for the first 120 days of employment.
Smith is also set to earn 30 hours of personal leave per month, the equivalent of 45 days of paid leave per year. According to the City of Nome Employees Association’s Collective Bargaining Agreement ratified in December, the city’s most senior employees earn 38 days per year. According to the contract, Smith will receive an additional 40 hours of administrative leave per year.
The Council reserves the right to review Smith’s performance annually. While the agreement is for a fixed term, it may be terminated by either party with 60 days’ written notice. In the event of termination without cause, Smith would receive four months’ severance pay.
The appointment of Smith follows the departure of Glenn Steckman, who served the role from October 2019 to July 2024. Longtime city Attorney, Brooks Chandler, briefly stepped into an interim role last fall. City Clerk Dan Grimmer also served as Acting City Manager for extended periods of time.
“Dan's done a great job and missed out on a bunch of family things as a result. So we need to thank your family as well,” Handeland said at the meeting.
After unexpected travel delays, Smith is set to arrive in Nome Wednesday morning and begin working immediately.
