Batavia's assistant city manager is leaving the area to take a job as city manager in a city of 21,000 people in Alabama at an annual salary of $136,000.
That's more than a $50,000 boost in pay for Gretchen DiFante, who is originally from the State of Alabama.
DiFinate became Batavia's assistant city manager in 2014 and is credited with, among other things, putting together a program to help reduce the cost of flood insurance for local property owners who need it.
She is scheduled to start her new job Aug. 21 in Pelham, Ala., according to the Shelby County Reporter.
The newspaper reported that DiFante was selected over two other finalists candidates who already live and work in the area.
Council President Rick Hayes said DiFante stood out to him as being an excellent communicator and a detailed person who likes to dig in and find the best solution. He said she also brings extensive strategic planning experience, which will be a major asset for the city.
“She has a significant amount of corporate consulting and government experience, which is rare to find,” Hayes said.
From talking to her, Hayes said he could tell that she is a dynamic person who would bring passion to the job.
DiFante holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from Auburn University and a master's degree in Management from Keuka College.
Batavia City Manager Jason Molino said the city will seek to fill the assistant manager position with DiFante's departure. He also issued this statement:
Gretchen has been an outstanding contributor to the community and has set a high standard of leadership in the organization.
Aside from leading the City’s Department of Administrative Services, Gretchen has been responsible for: developing the City’s Strategic Plan that has been recognized as a best practice by the International City/County Management Association; leading the City’s efforts to instill a culture of safety, contributing to a reduction of over $200,000 in workers' compensation premiums; and spearheading the City’s Community Rating Service (CRS) team that reduced flood premiums by 15 percent for property owners in the floodplain, earning the City one of the best CRS ratings in the State.
Most of all, Gretchen and her family have been committed members to the community for over 20 years. She and her family will be greatly missed and we wish them the best on their new endeavors in Alabama.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Perhaps now is an opportune time for Council to revisit the question as to whether an assistant manager is even necessary. We could save $75K and benefits.
Dave, the idea of an
Dave, the idea of an Assistant Manager is not the real issue. Almost all groups, clubs, and organizations have somebody as the number 2 to take over and run things when needed.
In Batavia, for years when Molino was first made Manager, we had an Assit. Manger who was also the head of the DPW. One person doing two jobs, at a lower cost than what we have today. We should go back to that system and as Dave points out, save the taxpayer some money.