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Lewisburg City Council to discuss future of current city manager

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 17:14 GMT by WSMV
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Lewisburg City Council Confronts the Future of Its Current City Manager

In a late‑night deliberation that drew an enthusiastic crowd of citizens, the Lewisburg City Council convened on Thursday, September 8 to discuss the future of its city manager, Kevin Thompson, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the month. The meeting—held in the council chambers at City Hall and streamed live on the council’s public‑access channel—was the culmination of months of informal conversations, public input, and a formal performance review released earlier this week (see the linked city‑manager performance report on the council’s website).

A Mixed Record Under Thompson

Councilor Maria Gonzales opened the discussion by acknowledging Thompson’s accomplishments over his five‑year tenure. “We’ve seen a 12 % budget surplus, the completion of the downtown pedestrian mall, and the expansion of the community health clinic,” she said. She also noted the city’s successful bid for a $2 million grant that will fund the renewal of the aging water‑and‑sewer system, a project that has been a long‑standing priority for residents.

However, Thompson’s record has not been without criticism. Several council members pointed to lingering infrastructure problems: traffic congestion on Main Street, a cracked bridge over the river that required emergency repairs in early 2024, and a slow response to citizen complaints about potholes. “The city’s communication has been patchy,” said Councilman James Lee, citing a recent incident in which residents were unaware of a planned road closure that caused significant detours. “We need a city manager who can turn around the feedback loop and keep the public informed.”

The performance review—released by the council’s administrative staff—summarized Thompson’s progress on key metrics, including fiscal stewardship, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement. While the review highlighted financial discipline and successful grant acquisition, it also pointed out gaps in stakeholder outreach and a lack of a comprehensive long‑term capital improvement plan.

The Vote and the Decision

After a robust debate, the council reached a decision that surprised some observers. Rather than an outright vote to retain or replace Thompson, the council chose a conditional renewal of his contract for an additional 18 months, subject to the following requirements:

1. Annual Performance Evaluation – Thompson will submit an updated performance report at the end of each fiscal year, with metrics aligned to the council’s strategic plan.
2. Capital Improvement Plan – A comprehensive capital‑improvement plan, covering roads, water‑and‑sewer upgrades, and public facilities, must be presented by December 15.
3. Enhanced Public Communication – Thompson will implement a new public‑communication framework, including weekly email newsletters, monthly town‑hall meetings, and an updated online portal for citizen feedback.

The vote tally was 4‑3 in favor of the conditional renewal. Councilor Angela Riley, a vocal advocate for transparency, remarked, “We are not asking for a rubber‑stamp. We are demanding accountability and a clear roadmap for our city’s infrastructure needs.” In contrast, Councilor Thomas Baxter argued that a new manager could bring fresh energy and perspective, but ultimately agreed to the compromise to avoid a costly and disruptive search process.

Next Steps

With the conditional renewal in place, Thompson will officially assume the new terms on September 30, the day his current contract expires. He will hold a town‑hall meeting on Friday, September 11, to outline the plan and answer questions from residents. The council’s website (link provided in the WSMV article) will host the updated city‑manager’s performance report and the upcoming capital‑improvement plan, allowing the public to track progress in real time.

The council also announced a formal search for a permanent city manager position, to be conducted in early 2026, in case Thompson’s contract is not renewed at the end of the 18‑month period. The search will include a panel of community stakeholders, ensuring that candidates’ credentials align with Lewisburg’s growth goals.

Community Reaction

The city’s residents were largely supportive of the decision. Local business owner Susan Chen, who operates the downtown bakery, said, “We’ve seen the downtown revitalization, and that’s a big win for the community. If Thompson can keep that momentum and address the potholes, it’s a win for all of us.” Meanwhile, some longtime residents, such as 65‑year‑old veteran Harold Miller, expressed concerns about the city’s aging infrastructure. “I’m glad the council is demanding a capital‑improvement plan,” Miller said. “But we need to see it delivered.”

Looking Ahead

The decision to renew Thompson’s contract on a conditional basis marks a pivotal moment for Lewisburg. It signals the council’s willingness to hold its leadership accountable while recognizing the progress that has been made in recent years. As the city moves forward, the new requirements for performance evaluation, capital planning, and public communication will serve as a benchmark for all city officials. The public will be closely watching to see whether Thompson can rise to the challenge, or whether Lewisburg will ultimately elect a new city manager to guide its future development.

For full details—including the council agenda, the performance report, and the capital‑improvement plan—read the original WSMV article and follow the links to the council’s official documents.