CITY OF LITCHFIELD CITY MANAGER SEARCH “The City of Litchfield invites your interest in serving as our next City Manager. Litchfield offers a thriving industrial base, quaint downtown and that special Michigan small-town charm. Our City is welcoming and proud to be the home of the Terriers.” Jessica Bills, Mayor City of Litchfield
CITY OF LITCHFIELD, MICHIGAN § POPULATION 1,399
§ LOCATION Hillsdale County
§ FULL-TIME STAFF 11
§ TOTAL ANNUAL BUDGET $5,512,807
§ SALARY RANGE $65,000 - $75,000 (DOQ)
WELCOME TO LITCHFIELD “HOME OF THE TERRIERS” The quaint small town of Litchfield, Michigan (population 1,399) is seeking candidates to serve as their next City Manager. Located along the beautiful St. Joseph River in northwest Hillsdale County, Litchfield offers that small town Midwestern charm. The riverfront is a focal point of the community offering outstanding fishing, camping and picturesque views. Although Litchfield is known throughout the region as a great spot to enjoy recreation, the City proudly offers a thriving industrial park. Litchfield is home to some impressive companies such as Hi-Lex Controls, Tenneco, LuxWall and Livonia Tool. The companies are invested in Litchfield and draw employees from all across the region. While the high-tech companies could establish anywhere, they choose to make Litchfield their home. Another draw to Litchfield are the Litchfield Terriers. The local school system is strong in academics, community spirit, arts and athletics. Litchfield Community Schools is dedicated to the success of all students by partnering with the students, parents and community members. The Terriers boost community spirit! Litchfield offers that Pure Michigan place with a quality school system, excellent parks, strong industrial base and an amazing riverfront teeming with opportunities. Our next City Manager will inherit a very talented team of leaders.
THE RIGHT FIT The City Council recognizes the importance of education and experience. However, the governing body is most interested in finding the “right fit” to lead Litchfield. We have a wholesome, close-knit community. We are seeking a leader who will embrace our way of life. The ideal candidate will bring the following personal characteristics: • A proven leader who supports and trusts the team around them. • A candidate who will embrace Litchfield’s small-town charm and demonstrate a highly visible presence in our community. • One who listens, thinks and acts. • One who has a proven history of implementing and financing significant utility upgrades and creating meaningful relationships with our business community. • Bring a fresh perspective to the challenging task of recruiting and retaining staff. Small towns across the state struggle to maintain police officer staffing levels. • One who can provide a history of excellent customer service. Litchfield residents are proud of the community and appreciate customer service. • Bring a collaborative spirit and continue our atmosphere of cooperation and facilitation with our community partners. Be a regional player beyond the borders of Litchfield. • Bring a solid understanding and experience in grant writing and implementation. • Consider Litchfield as your home. Treat our community as if you were raised here. •
One who values and exhibits strong communication skills. The City Council, staff and
residents want a leader who keeps them informed.
LOVE LITCHFIELD Ten common statements appear when local residents and community stakeholders are asked to describe living in Litchfield. • “The Litchfield Community Schools are amazing. We offer our students a quality education in a small-town environment. We are a community that shares a common bond as Terriers.” • “Litchfield is quite unique. We enjoy a bustling little community with that special midwestern charm. We choose to live here.” • “Litchfield is a safe community and one where you can raise your family without big city interruptions. Our residents feel safe and strongly support our local fire and police departments. Our 1,400 residents appreciate our public servants.” • “The allure of the Litchfield Nature Trail and the St. Joseph Riverfront. The scenery is vast and spectacular. Some of the best fishing in Hillsdale County is right here in Litchfield.” • “For such a small community, Litchfield has a significant industrial base of employment. It’s truly remarkable and says a lot about our community to have such an industrial draw.” • “Every summer, our little tranquil community hosts thousands during the annual Sweet Corn Days. This year’s fireworks show was amazing. The Sweet Corn Parade gives me goosebumps. I love small town America.” • “Our Litchfield Regional Training Center is an important piece of our current and future economic development. The ability to train current and future employees is critical for our industrial community.” • “As a retired state employee, my wife and I chose to retire in Litchfield. We love the small-town downtown charm, the river, the trail and the community spirit.”
LITCHFIELD’S HIGHLIGHTS “COMMUNITY PRIDE”
SWEET CORN DAYS IN LITCHFIELD The third weekend of August is Pure Michigan in Litchfield. Residents and people from all across Hillsdale County flock to Litchfield for the annual Sweet Corn Days. There is something for everyone at the festival including the Sweet Corn Days Classic Car Show, the Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast, Sweet Corn Day Parade, local music, crafts, several food vendors and a 5K race. The day is capped off with a magnificent fireworks show that lights up the sky and truly displays Litchfield pride.
LITCHFIELD REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER Litchfield is home to the Litchfield Regional Training Center (LRTC). The LRTC is a proprietary school registered with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The campus is operated to offer one-stop opportunities for local employers. Classes are offered in industrial skills, quality control, mechanical, repair, drafting, design and precision production. The LRTC is a regional hub to train, retain and recruit talent to the Litchfield area.
THE LITCHFIELD NATURE TRAIL While Litchfield is booming with industrial growth, the community also offers plenty of recreational opportunities. The Litchfield Nature Trail meanders through a scenic route and in some places is adjacent to the St. Joseph River. The Trail also connects to Fireman’s Park with playground equipment. For nature lovers, the Litchfield Nature Trail is truly a slice of paradise right in your own backyard.
APPLICATION PROCESS DEADLINE TO APPLY: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2024
To join the City of Litchfield team, please submit a cover letter, resume and five professional references to Frank L. Walsh, Walsh Municipal Services, LLC. Applications will be received at walshmuni@gmail.com. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are requesting confidentiality as allowed under the Michigan Open Meetings Act. The City of Litchfield is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer.