Arch Staffing waives fee for Scottville city manager search. 

Arch Staffing waives fee for Scottville city manager search. 

SCOTTVILLE — During its regular meeting Monday, April 19, Scottville City Commission voted to extend a job offer to Scottville native Jim Newkirk of Oscoda (see related story here). In March, the commission hired Arch Staffing of Ludington to assist with the search for a manager. The local firm bid a fee of $5,000, compared to $17,000 that was charged by the Michigan Municipal League when the city was searching for a new city manager in 2019. 

Arch Staffing President Carla Hanson sent a letter to the commission last week stating that the firm was waiving its fee. 

“First and foremost, let me express my profound gratitude for allowing me to assist you in your search for city manager,” Hanson wrote. “It was an extraordinary opportunity to learn more about our government structure in Scottville. I had several interactions with many of you and it is evident that we have an outstanding city government which is working hard every day to serve the residents of Scottville in the best way possible.   

“I am writing to you regarding our fee for services in helping the city find and hire a new city manager.  In our contact we outlined a fee of $5,000 for the successful placement of a new city manager.

“It has been our intent this entire time to not actually accept the fee, but rather have the City of Scottville use the $5,000 for another purpose that benefits the City of Scottville, for example, upgrading or adding to the playground equipment at McPhail field. As a native of Scottville and as an advocate of our small town, this was my window of opportunity to give back to the City of Scottville.   

“I thought of the playground equipment for several reasons. The youth of our community are our future.  My son, nieces, and nephews — all that have attended or currently attend Mason County Central — have enjoyed the playground equipment.   In this world of uncertainty, why not let our kids be kids just a little longer and give them some great outdoor space to learn, play and grow.  We know that countless children use McPhail field throughout the year and so we felt that this would be a perfect place to add some additional play equipment/activities for our youth.  

“It has been my pleasure to assist you with this search process and I wish your new city manager, mayor, commissioners, and residents all the best in the future.”

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