Tybee City Council Set to Confirm New City Manager’s Appointment

Tybee City Council Gears Up to Confirm Terms with New City Manager

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. – Following a prolonged search that stretched nearly a year, the Tybee City Council is at last poised to finalize the terms of appointment for a new City Manager. The announcement was made in the most recent City Council meeting packet released on Thursday.

Coming to Terms

The candidate in question, Bret Bell, is an experienced individual who is presently employed at the City of Savannah Public Affairs Office. Bell was selected over two other hopefuls, including Michelle Owens who has been holding the position of Interim City Manager since September of the previous year. Owens stepped into the role following the resignation of the prior City Manager, Shawn Gillen.

According to the proposed agreement between the city and Bell, his official commencement of duties is slated for September 3rd. Along with the responsibility of the City Manager’s office, Bell will be receiving an annual remuneration of $165,000 with scope for merit-based increments each year. The decision with respect to the finalization of Bell’s contract conditions will be up to the Tybee City Council in their upcoming Thursday night meeting set for 6:30 p.m.

The End of a Long Search

This development marks the conclusion of the City Council’s exhaustive search for a new City Manager which has stretched on for almost an entire year. The process saw the consideration of several able contenders, including current Interim City Manager Michelle Owens who temporarily took on the mantle following Shawn Gillen’s resignation. However, the council ultimately decided on Bret Bell given his extensive experience within public affairs at the city level.

The coming weeks will see the solidification of Bell’s appointment as Tybee City’s new manager. His salary, starting date, and other conditions of employment are expected to be confirmed after the Council’s meeting on Thursday.