City manager decides to stay

Two months after announcing his resignation, Portales City Manager Doug Redmond has decided to retain his position.

Redmond announced his resignation in September, citing an economic development venture in the private sector.

Redmond’s final day was to be Dec. 31.

Redmond said Monday his decision to remain city manager came after talking with members of the Portales City Council.

“I had a lot of conversations with the mayor, city councilors, and department heads (about reconsidering),” Redmond said. “I decided to stay because I have a lot of unfinished work in the city.”

Redmond cited the wastewater treatment plant and city infrastructure as projects he wants to see through.

“I have work to do and it’s time to roll up the sleeves and get to doing it,” Redmond said.

Mayor Sharon King said she had notified the four finalist candidates for the city manager position of Redmond’s decision Monday.

King said the search for a new city manager has officially been canceled. She said the city will continue with business as usual.

“The city employees I told today (about Redmond’s decision) were excited that he was staying,” King said.

King said city councilors had asked Redmond to reconsider his resignation because of the work he had done during the year he has held the position.

King said Redmond’s knowledge of public works and financing are valuable to the city.

“It’s been nice having someone with new eyes,” King said of Redmond’s ability to reorganize city staff. “He’s assigned people to pick up the weak areas.”

City Councilor Keith Thomas said he is happy that Redmond made the decision to stay.

“We’re pleased that he’s staying,” Thomas said. “I’m hoping that we can move the city forward with the skills that he has.”