All that is left for Ketchum to have a new city administrator is a signed contract.
While Gary Marks has announced his departure from his current post as city manager of Whitefish, Mont., and Mayor Randy Hall has confirmed the news by saying he is "thrilled" about Marks' arrival, a salary has yet to be determined.
According to Hall, Marks' salary will be "somewhere in the upper end of the range, between $138,00 to $153,000 per year."
At issue in the negotiations is the cost of housing in Ketchum, and how Marks' salary will be adjusted to compensate for such high prices.
"The issue of housing cost is something we have had a couple of times," said Hall. "And we will continue to have that issue until we can afford to pay someone more so they can afford to move here, or we increase our housing inventory, making the prices more affordable."
Despite such concerns, Hall said he believes that Marks and the city of Ketchum will reach a final agreement within the week.
"Most likely there is going to be an increase in pay and some kind of subsidized housing," said Hall.
Marks was born and raised in Oregon. He then moved to Whitefish, Mont., where he has worked as city manger for nine years.
When asked why he is leaving Montana, Marks said, "It's not about Whitefish."
"It's been nine years, and I had a desire for new opportunities, a fresh start. Just professionally, I am at a point in my career where change is appealing to me. Just plain and simple."
It was the city of Ketchum and its people that caught Marks' eye. His interviews were Marks' first time in the Wood River Valley and, needless to say, he was pleased.
"I was impressed. I was impressed with the enthusiasm and the spirit of the people," Marks said. "It was just infectious. They felt strongly about me and expressed that and I guess that was attractive to me. It's nice to be wanted."
As for big plans for the city, Marks is not sure. He just wants to get to know the City Council, the staff and the community.
"I'm more interested in finding out what their visions are," he said. "My desire is to carry forth their vision."
Hall has more specific ideas for Marks. When asked what the biggest challenge will be for Marks, Hall had only one comment: "Budget, budget, budget."
"The economy has really challenged us and we are just going to get ahead as best we can," Hall added. "That will be his highest priority—to get his arms around all the revenue strains and build a budget for '08-'09."
Marks' experience with an urban renewal agency and wealthy resort economies is part of what makes him an ideal candidate for Ketchum, Hall said.
"We are in our first year of receiving our money from URA, and we needed someone who had that knowledge. Gary does," he said.
Marks comes to Ketchum with his wife and their five children: two girls and three boys ranging in ages from 10 to 19. While he admits it will be hard to uproot them, he said they are also extremely excited about the area and all that it has to offer.
"My kids are into all kinds of activities, so I think we'll fit in well," Marks said.
As for skiing, however, residents shouldn't expect Marks to be skipping out of the office on a powder day. An inner ear injury from his youth has made snow sports difficult; he would rather be floating on the river.
Ketchum can expect Marks to arrive sometime in August. He still owes the city of Whitefish 60 days of work, and his exact start date has not been decided.
Over the next two months, Ketchum will be without a city administrator. Jim Jaquet, who has served as interim administrator since Ron LeBlanc left his post in December 2007, has volunteered to stay on to oversee the completion of the Fourth Street project. The project is scheduled for completion by July 4.
Gary Marks is preparing to move to the Wood River Valley. Photo by
