After just a few months on the job, Dover’s new city manager is resigning.
The Dover City Council spent months on a nationwide search for its new city manager before hiring Randy Robertson.
But Robertson resigned this week, and leaves Friday.
Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen says Robertson is leaving to care for his 89 year old mother, whom he hasn't seen much since moving across the country to take the job.
“And he came to us and explained that he needed to be with her during her years — she’s had some issues so he’s decided to go and take care of her in Cincinnati, Ohio,” he said.
While the city council deliberates and approves next year’s budget, Assistant City Manager Matt Harline will take over on an interim basis.
Christiansen says another search for a city manager will begin fairly quickly.
“The next thing we’ll do as soon as we’re finished with our fiscal 2022 budget we will begin in earnest to search for his replacement,” Christiansen said.
The city council is reviewing the budget next week in a series of special meetings.
Robertson marked a departure in Dover’s choice for a city manager. He came from outside the city after three straight managers hired from within, including his predecessor Donna Mitchell who worked at city hall for over thirty years.
