With just four weeks on the job, Eldon's interim City Administrator David Mitchem has hit the ground running.
Mitchem said he is taking his duties seriously, just as if he were hired full-time and not the six months his current contract dictates.
Eldon has been seeking a replacement for former city administrator Debbie Guthrie, who retired in March 2014. Mitchem was discovered through Interim Solutions, a professional staffing company, and while considered temporary, he is a candidate for the full-time position.
Mitchem immediately started his focus on the city's budget, which he describes as a work in progress. Even though he anticipates another few weeks until his budgetary recommendations are ready to present to the Board of Aldermen, his duties don't stop there.
"There are also day-to-day matters with things like a leaky swimming pool and aging infrastructure," he said, "but it is also this position's responsibility to build excellent relationships with organizations and citizens in the community."
Welcoming those opportunities, Mitchem said he wants to get a good feel for the community and work with the citizens and businesses.
With just four weeks under his belt, Mitchem is already impressed with the staff. "Quite frankly, I am very impressed with Eldon," he said. "The people are very friendly and upbeat here. I find that invigorating."
Even more, Mitchem bragged on the city staff.
"This is a wonderful team of public servants. As I overhear people come to the counter or call in, employees treat them like neighbors, and that is the way it should be. You don't find that everywhere in government," he said. "They are very positive and supporting."
Mitchem went on to express excitement about the overall future of Eldon, more specifically pointing out the possibility of the proposed Rails to Trails project. While he has not come armed with targets for immediate economic development activities, he does have the background and said if opportunities present themselves he will certainly pursue them.
"I have a desire to see Eldon grow," he said, noting he feels the community and aldermen have a positive view toward economic and community development.
With a lot to do and several things to focus on with staff, one thing Mitchem said he will exercise is communication.
"Effective communication is critical, and if you don't do it well there are consequences," he said. "Part of effective communication is listening; listen for understanding, and listen for solutions."
Mitchem has a master's degree in public administration from the University of Missouri. He has previously served as town manager of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, for almost six years, and prior to that he was CEO and president of Castle Rock Economic Development Council in Colorado.
Although his family still resides in Colorado, Mitchem said they are ready to make their home in Eldon if the board decides to hire him permanently.