By L. Parsons John Barkley of Ruckersville, Va., has been named the new city manager of Winslow. Barkley said, “I like small towns and the city gives me a good feel. Winslow seems like a nice hometown.” The Winslow City Council began the hiring process in July and recently interviewed four finalists. The finalists included Ruth Osuna of Texas, Ted Soltis of Wilcox and David Fuqua from Oklahoma. Mayor Tom McCauley said, “We are very optimistic about our new chapter and are looking forward to building on the foundation that we have built.” Information obtained by Greene County, Va., showed that Barkley has served in administrative positions in Colonial Beach, Dumfries and Loudoun County, Va., as well as Perryville, Md. Most recently, he was the administrator of Greene County, Va., a position from which he resigned in July. Efforts to confirm Barkley’s work history were unsuccessful as of press time. Barkley’s contract will run through Oct. 25, 2021, with an annual base salary of $120,000 for fiscal year 2018-19. Barkley will be subject to performance evaluation criteria that will allow his salary to increase in each fiscal year as a merit increase, market adjustment or cost of living increase. Current City Manager Steve Pauken will retire in January, with Barkley to begin work before Pauken’s retirement date. In other business, the council proclaimed the month of November as Native American Heritage Month. The mayor and council recognized students from the Winslow Residential Hall dedicated to preservation of Native American traditions and culture. The council also heard a presentation from Local First Arizona, given by Liza Noland. Noland encouraged the council and citizens to shop locally and to reach out to the organization for assistance in fundraising and other community events. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Winslow City Council will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the council chambers, located at 115 E. Second St.
