The City of Columbia currently has four six-figure city managers.

Columbia, Missouri (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia's second assistant manager began her new role on Monday after the city approved the position in its fiscal year 2024 budget.

Last month, the city appointed Matt Anrein to the position. He is in his fourth city manager leadership position at Columbia University and earns a six-figure salary.

The City Manager's budget increased by $1.6 million in fiscal year 2024. This is due to the addition of a number of positions, including the position of 2nd Assistant City Manager. The budget also includes the addition of five other new positions in the City Manager department and a project management office.

Sidney Olsen, a spokesperson for the city of Columbia, said the city of Columbia has a city manager system, which means the city manager is in charge of the city's day-to-day operations.

“We have a full-service city,” Olsen said. “We're continuing to grow. I think we'll have 20 departments soon, so we're seeing more demand than ever before.”

The Missouri League of Cities said a full-service city means a complex city with departments such as public facilities, police and fire. Stuart Haynes, MML's director of administration and policy, said the city, with about 1,500 employees and a $500 million budget, needs more administrators.

“They have all these different tasks that they're trying to accomplish, and on top of that, the size of the organization is growing,” Haynes said. “I think it's too much for him to be the only person managing things to make sure everything runs smoothly at some point. He'll need to hire an assistant or deputy.”

Haynes said the city manager's overall job is to implement the council's priorities, set the budget and keep things on track.

Olsen said Unrein will lead the city's public safety departments, including health, police, fire and a new community violence division. Previously, these departments reported directly to City Manager De'Carlon Seewood.

Assistant City Manager Carol Rose oversees the city's internal support services, including the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Contact Center.

Deputy City Manager Mike Griggs oversees more demanding departments, including the Department of Public Works, Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Sustainability.

Although Mr. Seawood heads the city council, he remains under the leadership of the Columbia City Council and Mayor Barbara Buffalo.

Olsen said these various city manager positions allow city officials to provide more guidance and serve as a liaison for department heads.

“Having these multiple positions and focusing on certain priority areas allows for efficiency,” Olsen said. “This will allow us to provide strategic guidance and leadership, and ensure each department has a touchpoint to seek advice.”

City of Columbia Deputy Manager Mike Griggs announced his retirement earlier this month after 37 years with the City of Columbia. His last day will be April 12th.

City spokesperson Sidney Olsen said in an email that City Manager DeCarlon Seawood will appoint an interim deputy city manager until the position is permanently filled.

He said the formal search process to permanently fill the position has not yet begun, but will include a nationwide search.