Following the abrupt resignation of Town Manager Enrique Ochoa, Tami Ryall has been hired as interim Town Manager.  Ryall worked for the Town of Gilbert for 14 years. Earlier this year she resigned from her position as Assistant City Manager following a change in management in that community. The Arizona Republic has a good summary (Click here). Ryall will be working three days a week in Tusayan. The town will be paying for her housing, about $650 a month.

Laura Matthews has been hired as interim Town Clerk. She was an assistant City Clerk in Flagstaff.  She replaces Bill Sutton who resigned earlier this year. She will also work three days a week.  Matthews and Ryall will work staggered shifts. As a result, Town hall will be closed on Fridays.

Ryall and Matthews may be around for awhile as it may take several months to find permanent replacements.  If either of them bolts before that happens, it will cost the town big time. Tusayan has just signed a new professional services agreement with its management consultant, IPM. The deal would charge the Town $600 a day if IPM has to send a temp to serve as Town manager. The cost for a clerk would be about $500 a day.

Speaking of red ink. The town has not reached a separation agreement with Ochoa. Because he may have been forced out, the Council may have to fork over some cash. It's hard to blame Ochoa, his task was daunting and memos sent to him from Mayor Bryan indicated he was being micromanaged.

At its May 16^th meeting the council also approved a $350,000 a year contract for the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement.

It should be noted that all of these costs and surcharges would not be necessary had the Town not incorporated.