ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – In one week, Escanaba’s city manager is stepping down. City administrators are still searching for his replacement.
In December, current Manager Jim McNeil announced that he intended to “move on” in May 2026. Following several rounds of candidate interviews, the City Council has now decided to hire a company to find the ideal person for the job. The service will cost just over $14,000, but council members say the company has had success in communities similar to Escanaba.
In the meantime, the council has selected City Controller Melissa Becotte to serve as interim manager.
“I think we’re fortunate to have somebody that’s been here so long, that is so knowledgeable, and that is willing to step up and do this for us,” said City Council member Karen Moore. “Not all communities have that luxury, so I think that this is a good thing.”
At the end of McNeil’s final City Council meeting, Mayor Mark Ammel applauded him for three and a half years in the position.
“Thank you for your service, your time, your effort, your energy, your dedication, your ingenuity, and mostly caring,” Ammel said. “It sure makes a difference when you have people who really care about what they do. It comes through in every aspect of the work, and it makes this community a better place to live in. Thank you for setting a fine example.”
McNeil’s final day with the City will be May 15. Tune in to WZMQ 19 on Tuesday, May 12, to hear from him about his time as manager.
