Manny Gomez is the man — the man the City Commission voted as Hobbs acting city manager.
Gomez, Hobbs Fire chief, was recommended by Mayor Sam Cobb to step in as acting city manager, during Monday’s city commission meeting. City commissioners voted unanimously in favor of Cobb’s resolution. Gomez will officially be appointed as acting city manager on Thursday — one day after City Manager J.J. Murphy’s position as Hobbs city manager comes to an end.
“I think he has the skill set and he certainly has the experience and I think he has the support of our community,” Cobb said. “He will carry on in a manner where we will not see any change or loss in the services that we provide in our community, with Manny as the acting city manager. With him at the helm it gives us, the commission, to come back together and start working on a long term plan for replacing the position for city manager.”
Gomez will receive a 10 percent increase in salary for the additional responsibilities as the acting city manager. Gomez was the acting city manager five years ago during the transition between then city manger Eric Honeyfield and Murphy.
“I really appreciate the mayor and the commission and the city employees for the vote of confidence,” Gomez said. “J.J. has a couple of days and there after I’ll reconvene with the staff and try to work on continuing some of the projects that we have and look to make decisions in the future.”
Commissioner Marshall Newman said since the announcment Gomez was being eyed for the position that he has heard only positive comments about Gomez and his ability to fulfill the role.
“Since it was posted I’ve had nothing but positive comments in favor of Chief Gomez,” Marshall said.
The commission plans to meet in an executive session at 5 p.m. Thursday to discuss the hiring of a new city manager.
