City Manager – El Dorado Springs, Missouri

City Manager – El Dorado Springs, Missouri

Leadership Opportunity

The City of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, invites qualified, service-minded leaders to apply for the position of City Manager. This is an opportunity to lead a full-service community with a strong sense of history, engaged citizens, and momentum for continued growth and development.

As the city’s chief executive officer, the City Manager oversees daily operations, including purchasing, personnel, budget preparation, department management, citizen engagement, and oversight of short- and long-term projects. The City Manager is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the City Council and attends all City Council meetings, which are held twice a month or as necessary.

El Dorado Springs offers the next City Manager the chance to work closely with a five-member at-large City Council in a council-manager form of government that has been in place since 1984. The city manages an annual budget of approximately $10 million, and the City Council sets policy, approves the annual budget, and enacts legislation to provide for the safety and welfare of the community.

The city provides a broad range of municipal services, including water, wastewater, electric distribution, police, fire, an outdoor aquatic center, a civic center, a golf course, a municipal airport, baseball fields, and other parks and recreation services. This breadth of services makes the role especially rewarding for a hands-on local government professional who values operational excellence and visible community impact.

Community Background

Incorporated on July 20,1881, El Dorado Springs was founded around a spring believed to have medicinal value-a spring that remains a primary source of the city’s water supply today. The community combines historic pride with a forward-looking commitment to growth and development. Its strong civic spirit is reflected each year in the three-day Founder’s Picnic held in late July, when 15,000-20,000 current and former citizens gather downtown.

As the largest city in Cedar County, Missouri, El Dorado Springs serves as an important local hub for residents, businesses, schools, healthcare, and agriculture. The population was 3,493 according to the 2020 Census, and agriculture remains a vital part of the local economy, including beef cattle, poultry, corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay production.

The community benefits from convenient local healthcare access. Cedar County Memorial Hospital has served the county from El Dorado Springs since 1960 and is the third-largest employer in the city, offering local care, surgical, imaging, and emergency services. Citizens Memorial Hospital and Mercy Hospital also provide additional primary care options in the community.

El Dorado Springs R-2 School District serves students from preschool through 12th grade, with an enrollment of approximately 1,150 students and an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12:l. El Dorado Christian School also serves students from preschool through 12th grade, with an enrollment of approximately 125 students and a 10:l ratio.

The local economy is supported by agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and small businesses. Dairy Farmers of America employs approximately 130 employees in El Dorado Springs and serves as the largest manufacturer in the city, while multiple other manufacturers add diversity to the local economy. The city currently imposes a 2% city sales tax, with a total sales tax rate of 8.475%.

City Manager Duties and Powers (Municipal Code)

It shall be the duty of the City Manager, and the City Manager shall have the power to:

1. Make all appointments to offices and positions provided for in section 2-85.

2. See that the laws of the state and ordinances of the city are enforced.

3. Exercise control of all departments and divisions that have been, or may hereafter be, created by the City Council.

4. See that all terms and conditions imposed in favor of the city or its inhabitants in any public utilityfranchises are faithfully kept and performed and, upon information of any violation thereof, take such steps as necessary to stop or prevent further violation.

5. Attend all meetings of the City Council with the privilege of taking part in discussions but having no vote.

6. Recommend to the City Council for adoption such measures as the City Manager may deem necessary or expedient.

7. Prepare and submit the annual budget and keep the City Council fully advised as to the financial condition and needs of the city.

8. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the laws of the state or required by any provision of the City Code, other ordinance, or resolution of the City Council. (Code 1988, 2-108)

Ideal Candidate and Qualifications

The City Council seeks a collaborative, ethical, and forward-thinking professional who can provide steady leadership, sound financial management, and responsive service to residents. The successful candidate will bring the education, experience, and judgment needed to manage municipal operations, support elected officials, lead staff, and communicate effectively with the community.

Preferred qualifications include:

A master’s degree is preferred, with a concentration in public administration or a related discipline, and two years of experience in government management or other significant experience;

A bachelor’s degree and five years of government management or other significant experience;

Other relevant education and experience will be considered; and

Adoption of and compliance with the ICMA Code of Ethics.

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:

Broad knowledge of Missouri municipal and state laws;

Ability to lead and manage multiple levels of personnel;

Strong communication and negotiation skills to interact effectively with citizens, elected officials, staff, and representatives of businesses and organizations; and

Demonstrated financial and budgetary acumen in governmental accounting.

Compensation, Benefits, and Residency

The City offers a competitive salary range of $100,000-$125,000, depending upon qualifications and experience, as determined by the City Council.

The benefits package is designed to support the selected candidate and includes medical, vision, dental, and life insurance; HSA contribution; vacation and sick leave; and Missouri LAGERS retirement.

The City Manager must reside within the city limits of El Dorado Springs. A grace period of six (6) months will be allotted to fulfill the residency requirement. The City Manager shall devote their entire time to the duties of the office.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to:

Britney Spencer, City Clerk

135 W. Spring St.

El Dorado Springs, MO 64744

Email materials to cityclerk@eldomo.org.

Call (417) 876-2521 with questions.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.