Portales names fire chief as interim city manager

Portales City Council members on Tuesday unanimously named city Fire Chief T.J. Cathey their interim city manager.

Council member Veronica Cordova said Cathey will be interim manager until June 21 or until the Council finds a successor to Sarah Austin, who was fired early this month.

Cathey said it’s his understanding he will be paid $5,538.46 twice a month “as an incentive in addition to my regular pay check.”

“He understands that should we find somebody to take the job … That will be the end of that contract,” Portales Mayor Mike Miller said. 

Cathey has said he doesn’t want the position long term, but is happy to fill in until Austin’s successor can be hired. He said the Council did not agree to all of his requests in taking the job but councilors were “very kind” and he “will do my best to fill both roles.”

Miller said the decision to place Cathey as interim was due to his dedication and willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of Portales.

“He’s a very thorough person,” Miller said.

“I think we couldn’t have anybody better temporarily at the helm. He gets along well with the other employees and department heads. I think he’s a good choice for us for a temporary leader.” 

Cathey scheduled a “meet and greet” with community members on Friday night at the Memorial Building.

He said he wants to hear community concerns and, for those who could not attend Friday’s event, he invited emails to [email protected] .

City officials have declined to say why Austin was fired in a 6-2 vote other than it was “without cause.”

Miller said the Council hopes to name a new manager as soon as possible but had not received letters of interest as of Tuesday. Miller said officials are still deciding how they will advertise the position. They took no action Tuesday night.