Police Chief Being Considered for Interim City Manager

Roy Whitehead is just one name being bandied about for the post of interim city manager in Snellville. And, city leaders will meet Thursday to discuss how to fill the soon-to-be vacant post.

Russell Treadway, the current city manager, to take over as city administrator for an east Tennessee city. Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz wants to fill an interim post for Treadway's position as soon as possible.

Asked on Wednesday if she were considering the chief of police for the post, Kautz said "yes I am." There are a couple names that she's looking at, and Whitehead is one, she added.

Whitehead runs the , with about 60 police officers on staff. He's led the department since 2004, transitioning the public safety team into a new state-of-the-art facility and proving instrumental in the recent Service Delivery Strategy settlement.

Whitehead said on Wednesday that a decision to install him as interim city manager was "above his level." If chosen, details  -- including salary and logistics -- of his appointment would have to be hashed out by city council.

"I am extremely happy in my current position, and I am willing to serve the citizens, the city and our elected officials in any capacity where I am needed or it is deemed appropriate," he said.

Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts said he is hoping for an outside person to lead the city's highest staff position.

"I feel very strongly that we need to bring in someone from outside the city to be the interim," he said in an email statement. "Someone who would not be eligible or would not want the permanent position.

"The interim could also be instrumental in locating the best possible candidates to present to council. It has been my experience in business situations that parallel this one that a fresh set of eyes is always the best way."

Meanwhile, Treadway is in the ., where officials recently voted him as their unanimous choice for city administrator.

Although Treadway was required to submit his resignation with a 60-day notice, Kautz has said that he could be asked to step down immediately. Appointing an interim city manager will effectively end Treadway's current tenure.

However, he would continue to be paid until April 7, when the 60 days would expire. Currently, Treadway is making $125,000 plus benefits.

City council will meet Thursday night in a special called meeting to discuss making an appointment for the interim city manager position. The meeting is called for 6 p.m. at .

The mayor expects to submit her official nomination for council approval at Monday's council meeting.

"Things seem to be moving fast," Treadway said.