Rhoades would serve until a permanent city manager takes over. His website says he has more than 35 years of experience in government operations and administration, including stints as director of finance and operations for Collin County, county executive for Travis County and chief financial officer for McKinney. He also served as interim executive director and general manager of the North Texas Municipal Water District, where he oversaw the district during a Public Utility Commission settlement and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The appointment follows Grayson Path's resignation, which the council accepted Sept. 22. Path's separation agreement includes at least 12 months of severance, unused vacation pay, deferred compensation and up to 12 months of medical coverage. The council takes up the resolution on a first and final reading, and Rhoades will speak at the meeting.
Amarillo would pay Rhoades $175 an hour, with his workweek capped at 40 hours unless the city approves more. The city also would provide temporary housing or a monthly housing stipend and reimburse routine business expenses. The agreement lists $500 for a media search and $400 for a background investigation. If the city hires Rhoades permanently during the agreement or within 12 months after it ends, it owes SGR a $10,000 placement fee, which disappears if SGR conducts a full executive search.
Amarillo would cover Path's severance and Rhoades's hourly rate at the same time.