Jefferson City officials have named a new transit director - Mark Mehmert, formerly the community development manager for the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Mehmert will replace Richard Turner, who served as transit director since 2004. Turner officially resigned in November.
"I think they looked at me and saw I work well with people and know the community well and thought that was a good fit," Mehmert said. "I have no preconceived ideas about what should be done. Richard did a great job and I want to build on his work."
In an email Wednesday from Public Works Director Matt Morasch to members of the City Council, Morasch wrote Mehmert would begin Jan. 12.
"Mark does not have any direct "transit' experience; however, I believe his background in management and community involvement/communication will be a significant asset to us," Morasch wrote. "Going into the interview process, we were looking for someone who could bring a fresh perspective to our Transit Division, and I believe Mark will definitely bring that attribute."
Morasch was not available Friday for further comment.
City Administrator Steve Crowell said though he was not involved in the hiring, he believes "staff was impressed with Mark's overall management ability," as well as "his thoughts about broadening connections with users and employers." Crowell said staff felt Mehmert would be able to learn the more technical aspects of the position.
"The problem we have is there is a limited amount of resources and a lot of need," Mehmert said. "We have to prioritize what our priorities are. We have the new transit advisory group and they'll have a lot to say in how we proceed from here. The need always outstrips resources. I'd love to add to the system, run different hours, but it comes down to what your budget is and what benefits you get out of that budget."
Mehmert will earn a salary of $65,000 per year as transit director.
As for Mehmert's former position with the chamber, according to an email from Bob Gilbert, chamber board chairman, to board members, the chamber has cut the community development position following Mehmert's departure.
Gilbert cites budget constraints at the chamber required the elimination of one full-time position to balance the operating budget without using chamber reserve funds.
"For those of you that are not aware, the Chamber committed a few years ago to continue funding our operation and staffing levels by using some of our reserves, but not to do so after 2015," Gilbert wrote. "During that same time, some of our economic development funding has been reduced because of other similar budget cuts with one of our partners."
Gilbert wrote Mehmert's former duties would be reassigned to other staff, and board members would discuss what activities should be prioritized at the chamber retreat in February.
"Please be assured that the economic development services from the chamber will not be affected by this move," Gilbert wrote.