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Keokuk Selects City Administrator

Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk City Council has made its choice as to who should be Keokuk's first city administrator/city clerk.

After a 2 1/2 hour closed door meeting, the council voted unanimously to offer the post to Otis Jones.

Jones has served as city administrator and economic development director in Obetz, OH; city manager in Centralia, IL; and president of an urban development firm in Columbus, OH.

The council authorized Mayor Dave Gudgel and Chuck Betts, who led the search process for the city, to negotiate a contract with Jones.

It must be brought back to the city council for approval.

A starting salary of between $80,000 and $110,000 has been discussed for the new city administrator.

Jones was one of three finalists for the post.

Additional Information
* The other finalists were former North Liberty, IA city administrator Brian James and current Fairbury, NE administrator Jim Ferneau.
* Betts and Gudgel tried to reach Jones to offer him the job right after the meeting.