Vicksburg municipal officials have extended a contract offer to the community’s next potential village manager. Erik Wilson was one of four candidates interviewed last month for the village’s highest, non-elected position, currently held by Jim Mallery. The 58-year-old Mallery plans to retire at the end of the year but has offered to stay on board through February should his services be necessary while Wilson finds his footing.
Vicksburg Village Council President Tim Frisbie said during a Sept. 18 interview with South County News that negotiations were ongoing at that time, though Frisbie said he expected Wilson’s paperwork and details related to his employment would be fully secured by early October.
“We had, I think, 21 applications … a phenomenal, phenomenal pool of applicants,” Frisbie said. “I think everyone recognized they would be set up for success in this job following the past 10 years of what has been accomplished in the village.”
He said village council members trimmed the list to seven people before settling on four prospects summoned for an interview: Wilson, Decatur Village Manager Christopher Trapper, Bronson City Manager Brandon Mersman and Lawrence Village Manager Amy Cordes.
The process was set up to include potential second interviews. Considering the strength of Wilson’s interview, however, Frisbie said there was no need for the follow-up.
Wilson has most recently served as city manager in the Allegan County community of Wayland. It has a population of about 4,500 residents, about 800 more than Vicksburg.
Before that, Wilson spent 18 months as Texas Township superintendent. Wilson previously served as Plainwell city manager for 21 years, a position he accepted following a four-year stint as village manager in Decatur that started in 1998.
Frisbie said Wilson was well prepared for the interview, and had spent a significant amount of time exploring Vicksburg and meeting local business owners prior to the Sept. 1 interview.
“He comes with super high recommendations from everybody who has worked with him, so we are really, really excited about this,” Frisbie said, noting that Wilson established himself as a strong municipal leader during his lengthy tenure in Plainwell.
“He was Plainwell’s city manager when they purchased the Plainwell Mill property,” Frisbie added. “He’s astute in so many different areas, he’s a good communicator, he’s a visionary, and he’s got the background and experience.”
The village used Walsh Municipal Services to aid with recruitment of the candidates.
The job posting indicated a salary of up to $135,000 a year, contingent on experience and other factors. As Frisbie indicated, details related to Wilson’s contract should be ironed out by early October.
In a separate matter, Mallery stated during the council’s Aug. 17 meeting that Village Clerk Christian Wines has accepted a job in Florida. His last day will be in late October.
Mallery said the council and its Human Resources Committee have conducted interviews. A replacement is expected to be named in early October.
