Henderson council votes to appoint RTC boss Snow as city manager

By Aida Ahmed

Published Tuesday, March 6, 2012 | 10:29 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, March 7, 2012 | 9:15 a.m.

After little discussion outside of praising the work of Regional Transportation Commission General Manager Jacob Snow, the Henderson City Council unanimously voted to appoint him as city manager.

Snow, who was not present at the meeting, may replace current City Manager Mark Calhoun, who will retire in May after working 29 years for the city.

The appointment, also recommended by city human resources director Fred Horvath, allows the city to offer Snow the position and negotiate a contract.

The newest councilman, John Marz, emphasized that Snow’s local experience is what put him in the lead for the position.

“He has, at the RTC, faced some tough issues,” said Marz. "He’s been able to raise money for roads and streets in our community. He’s had to make budget cuts when times have been tough. He knows the Legislature and that is going to be, I think, a great asset for our city."

Councilwoman Debra March, who said she served on Snow’s evaluation committee, said his ability to manage a budget twice that of Henderson is important.

Snow has served on the RTC since 1999 and is responsible for its $500 million budget and a staff of 2,300. Previously he served as the assistant director of aviation at the Clark County Department of Aviation for four years. He is also a Henderson resident who served on the Henderson District Public Libraries Board of Directors for four years.

The city was to discuss other possible methods to fill the post, which pays roughly $225,000 a year. Choices included identifying local and internal candidates, a local or national open competitive search or using a search firm to find Calhoun’s replacement.

However, Horvath said recruiting a city manager in a public way is “almost impossible,” limiting candidates in their respective jobs if not chosen.

“It was very clear to me very quickly that Mr. Snow was head and shoulders above any of the other individuals who might be considered for this position,” said Horvath.

CORRECTION: This version corrects the amount of the Regional Transportation Commission's annual budget. | (March 7, 2012)