Junction City council authorizes negotiation to hire Benjamin West as city administrator

The Junction City Council on Aug. 27 authorized the mayor and council president to negotiate an employment agreement with Benjamin West to serve as the city administrator, contingent on completion of required background checks. The motion, as read into the record, directed that a draft agreement be returned to the full council for consideration.

A staff member identified in the meeting as counsel summarized the status of the personnel review, saying, “Counsel has reviewed the qualifications. They have made an initial offer pending the background completion of background checks.” The motion to proceed with negotiations was moved and seconded on the council floor; the presiding official recorded that the motion was made by Councilor Thomas and seconded by Councilor Leach.

The council then conducted a roll-call vote. Each councilor named during the vote—Thomas, Weishman, Senninger, Leach and Hancock—was recorded as voting yes, and the motion passed. Council members and staff emphasized that the authorization was conditioned on satisfactory completion of background checks before any final agreement would be executed.

The council took the action after meeting in executive session under state statute authorizing closed discussions on employment matters. The draft employment agreement is to be brought back to a future open council meeting for formal consideration and possible final action.