The City of Martinsville has several open positions, including the top positions of the city attorney, assistant city manager, and community development director.
Travis Hodge, director of Human Resources, said the lack of a city attorney is impacting normal operations.
“If we need an attorney, we outsource it,” said Hodge. The city regularly requires the use of an attorney because of various legal matters involved in operations.
Although several positions remain vacant, Hodge added that things are getting done.
City Manager Leon Towarnicki is helping to bridge the gap until some of the openings can be filled.
“I’m kind of having to step into some of those roles and take care of things,” said Towarnicki, who previously served as Public Works director for several years.
That experience, combined with his experience in other areas, help him meet the needs of the current staffing issues where necessary. The assistant city manager role is of major importance to Towarnicki. “Right now, if I’m out sick or something happens to me, we’re kind of dead in the water,” Towarnicki said.
Hodge said the city is using a state-of-the-art applicant tracking system to find candidates.
“It sends our jobs to multiple search engines,” Hodge said, adding the city also uses Patrick & Henry Community College, press releases, and social media to help with its recruiting efforts.
“We have a number of applications for the Assistant City Manager position, so we will probably start interviewing within the next week or so,” Towarnicki said, adding the city has received applications for several of the other positions, with interviews scheduled for the city attorney position as well.
Visit www.martinsville-va.gov to view a list of open positions and/or apply.
