Cayce Welcomes New City Manager: Jim Crosland Takes the Helm
Exciting news is buzzing around the city of Cayce! After a brief period of uncertainty, the city has officially appointed Jim Crosland as its new city manager. The announcement, made during a recent Cayce City Council meeting, comes six months after Crosland first stepped into the interim role. This pivotal decision was made with unanimous approval from the council, marking a significant moment for the city’s leadership.
A New Era for Cayce’s Leadership
The past few months have brought a whirlwind of changes to Cayce’s top leadership positions. With a population of almost 14,000 nestled across the Congaree River from Columbia, the city has seen quite a bit of turnover recently, including the sudden resignation of Police Chief Herbert Blake just last week, mere months after he took the position. It’s safe to say that Cayce is in a transition phase, but it seems that Crosland’s permanent appointment is a step towards stability.
Mayor Partin’s Support Shines Through
During the council meeting, Mayor Elise Partin took a moment to express gratitude and confidence in Crosland’s abilities, stating, “We’re thankful that you’re here and we will continue to stand by you.” Her words resonated with a group of over a dozen police officers present, underscoring the collaborative spirit that the city hopes to foster as they navigate these changes together. The mayor assured everyone that, “We are going to make it through this together.”
What’s Next for Cayce’s Police Chief?
While the city has made strides in appointing Crosland, the search continues for a new police chief. City council members refrained from sharing specific updates on this process during the meeting, but they did indicate that they plan to address the police officers in another meeting soon. This pause in leadership within the police department only adds to the list of challenges the city is facing.
Details on Crosland’s New Role
As Crosland steps into this permanent role, interestingly, he has not been given an officially approved contract just yet. A spokesperson for the city mentioned that details regarding his formal contract will be worked out later on. However, it is worth noting that Crosland received a pay increase when he was appointed as interim city manager, and that salary will remain unchanged as he transitions into this new phase.
A Familiar Face in City Hall
Crosland isn’t a stranger to Cayce’s city operations, as he has been with the city since 2016. Prior to this role, he served as the assistant director of the police department, which was once a part of a unified safety department alongside the fire brigade. That structure was dissolved in January 2022, further showcasing Crosland’s familiarity with the city’s inner workings.
A Shift in City Management
The shift in leadership started earlier this year when Tracy Hegler, who had been managing the city since 2018, left her position after a lengthy process to complete the city’s budget. This followed another leadership change when former Police Chief Chris Cowan departed for a role at the University of South Carolina. These shifts have propelled Crosland into the spotlight, and the council hopes he brings a renewed stability to Cayce.
What’s Ahead for Cayce?
As Cayce moves forward under Crosland’s management, residents and city employees alike are hopeful that the dust will soon settle. With a collaborative community spirit and a renewed focus on leadership, Cayce stands poised for what comes next. Remember, folks, with changes come opportunities, and the city is ready to embrace them!
