Update: Olivette City Manager Leaving For Wentzville

The Wentzville Board of Aldermen has chosen Olivette City Manager Mike McDowell to be the city's next City Administrator there and will review a proposed contract at next week's regular meeting.

McDowell was the board's choice from the five finalist candidates under consideration.

“Wentzville is a great place to live, work, and raise a family," McDowell said in a press release issued Friday. "I look forward to the opportunity to get to know the city’s officials, staff, and the great citizens of Wentzville and join with them helping to move the community forward,” said McDowell, who prior to his stint in Olivette was City Administrator for Creve Coeur. 

"I'm not going to discuss my personal motivations," McDowell said when asked Friday about how the opportunity to move came about. He did say that the ability to stay in the St. Louis area was a "significant motivation." He added that guiding the city through the economic recession and maintaining quality services is a bright spot in his mind. He broke the news to city council members at Tuesday night's meeting.

After the Wentzville contract is approved by the board and the mayor, McDowell's start date would be March 4, 2013. His annual salary will be $122,400, and he will have a city-owned vehicle for his use.

Wentzville has been without a permanent city administrator since Dianna Wright left in August of 2011.

McDowell expects to work through the end of February in Olivette, although an exact last day has not been determined. In the meantime, he'll be working to pass along information about projects to city staff.

He added that a "significant part of my heart and soul," would be in Olivette after he departs.

Patch will update this story with new information and reaction throughout the day.