South Lebanon council appoints Chris Hacker as city administrator

The South Lebanon City Council unanimously adopted an emergency ordinance appointing Chris Hacker as the city's next city administrator.

The mayor introduced Hacker and read a recommendation letter from Jerry Haddix endorsing Hacker's experience and leadership. Hacker told the council he has 13 years in the public sector and cited work in municipal procurement and finance in Hamilton, Centerville and Fairfield. "I am extremely excited to take this next step, and hopefully not have too many bumps in the road in the transition," Hacker said.

Council moved to waive the two-reading rule and then adopted Emergency Ordinance 2025-28 by title to appoint the administrator and set compensation. Brenda Combs made the motion to adopt by title and Lisa Feder seconded; the presiding officer announced, "Motion carries," and welcomed Hacker aboard.

The council also announced Hacker's first day in the role will be Dec. 29, 2025. The council's action was taken under the emergency ordinance process, which the council used to expedite the appointment tonight.

What happens next: the city will complete administrative onboarding and finalize the compensation paperwork authorized tonight. No further hearings on this appointment were recorded in the meeting.