Photo for Headline Surfer® / ST. CLOUD, Fla. -- By a unanimous vote, the St. Cloud City Council has tabbed Joe Helfenberger of Ottumwa, Iowa, as its new city manager with a starting salary of $159,000.
Helfenberger, who has a master’s in public administration, has 30 years of experience in local government management in several cities in Iowa and Wisconsin. His new job will pay him $37,000 more than what he was making in Iowa.
Helenberger was hired in a 5-0 vote on Oct 8, but it may not be until the Oct. 22 St. Cloud commission meeting for a starting date to be announced. Helenberger is excited nonetheless.
“What attracted me the most to St. Cloud were the small-town atmosphere and the direction of the City Council,” Helfenberger said in a prepared statement released by the City of St. Cloud. “I am eager to assist the council in achieving its vision of economic development and attracting/keeping businesses here."
“What attracted me the most to St. Cloud were the small-town atmosphere and the direction of the City Council,” Helfenberger said in a prepared statement released by the City of St. Cloud. “I am eager to assist the council in achieving its vision of economic development and attracting/keeping businesses here."
Helfenberger added, "Through my research and conversations with city staff, I believe we are poised from some really great things in this city, and I look forward to being the link to continued success in this community. I am honored to have been chosen to lead City of St. Cloud, and I thank the council, staff, and the community for their support and their trust in me.”
Helfenberger replaces Tom Hurt, who was relieved of his duties April 9 during a regular council meeting. Growth Management Services Administrator Dennis Ragsdale has served as interim city manager.