Dayton Ohio and Rashad Young

City manager Young’s possible departure comes at bad time

 

Budget cuts and service reductions are in the forecast for the city of Dayton in 2010, with a deficit up to $20 million looming. Union negotiations, following a year of employee wage freezes, also are expected to be hard-fought.

 

The city faces these challenges with one less assistant city manager following the resignation of Jane Howington in July. City Manager Rashad Young divvied up her duties, taking on police, fire, human resources and public works himself. Another key division head, Bill Nelson, director of building services, also is leaving, He retires next week.

 

“There is no question, it’s going to be an incredibly difficult year for Dayton,” Young said.

 

…“I’m not sure the transition will be seamless, should I leave, but I have confidence in staff,” Young said…“I was sincere when I said being manager in the city where I was raised was special to me,” Young said. “It was really hard to make the decision given the sense of loyalty I have to the community.”

 

Dayton has about 145,000 residents, compared to 257,000 in Greensboro.

 

Joanne Huist Smith

Dayton Daily News, August 29, 2009