It’s official: The city of Durango is getting a new boss, Jose Madrigal of Texas, after both parties agreed to an employment contract during a meeting Friday.
The city’s search for a new city manager, essentially the CEO of all city operations, began when Durango parted ways with former manager Ron LeBlanc in September 2019. Durango City Council chose Madrigal over more than 50 candidates, including Interim City Manager Amber Blake, who was the only other finalist contending for the position in August.
“It’s been a long time coming. We have the proposed contract, and the applicant for the position has accepted the terms of that contract,” said Mayor Dean Brookie during the meeting. “We’re very happy to have Jose Madrigal joining us.”
Madrigal is interim waste services director in Irving, Texas, and an executive management consultant for several municipal governments. He has 18 years of experience in municipal government, 14 of which have been at the executive level.
During the hiring process, Madrigal emphasized his city management experience, strategic planning background and track record of rebuilding trust and financial transparency.
“I want to thank the City Council for their support and trust. I am eagerly looking forward to working with them and the city staff,” Madrigal said in a news release Friday. “During the interview process, I was impressed with just how special the community is and how talented the city staff are. The community has already been so welcoming to my family and I, and we are thrilled to call Durango home.”
His employment will begin as soon as the contract is executed by the city attorney, Brookie said. Madrigal will begin some of his duties remotely starting Sept. 14, and he will be joining staff in Durango on Sept. 21.
The contract lists a starting annual salary of $210,000, a $14,000 increase over LeBlanc’s 2019 salary of $195,592. It also stipulates quarterly check-ins starting April 2021, exclusive and unrestricted use of a city-provided vehicle and a $15,000 city-provided moving stipend.
“Jose, we look forward to seeing you here in a couple of weeks,” Brookie said.
smullane@durangoherald.com
