HELENA — The Helena City Commission has approved an employment agreement with a new permanent city manager.
Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Rachel Harlow-Schalk during a special meeting Monday. Under the agreement, her first day as city manager will be Oct. 19.
The contract sets Harlow-Schalk’s salary at $154,000 per year and extends through Dec. 31, 2022, with an optional two-year renewal.
Harlow-Schalk spoke briefly during the online meeting, thanking the commission and members of the public who took part in the selection process. She said her family is currently preparing to make the move to Montana.
“We look forward to being there and being a part of your community,” said Harlow-Schalk. “Serving you all as your city manager is an exciting opportunity for me, and it’s a special community.”
Harlow-Schalk is currently the state of Colorado’s deputy director of local government. Commissioners selected her as their choice to become permanent city manager on Aug. 15, after a monthslong hiring process.
Former city manager Ana Cortez left her position in February. Melinda Reed was chosen as the interim city manager and will serve until Harlow-Schalk takes over in October.
