North Plains narrows in on new city manager

As North Plains readies for potential shifts in leadership with the November election , the city is closing in on a new city manager to help guide the small town.

Four candidates have emerged from a national search to fill the position, and residents are invited to meet the finalists for a Q&A from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, at the Jessie Mays Community Center.

The city manager position was vacated by Andy Varner , who departed in May after seven years to join Beaverton as a community development director. Since then, former Cornelius City Manager Rob Drake has stepped in as interim city manager.

Reporting directly to the mayor and city council, the city manager is the city's top administrative position. Responsibilities include executing city policies, leading human resources, overseeing internal and external communications and ensuring active community engagement.

The four finalists in contention for the role include:

Peter Boyce

With over 20 years of experience in city and county management, Boyce has served in public service positions throughout Montana, Minnesota and Oregon — currently acting as the interim city manager for the city of Fairview. Boyce holds a degree in technology and business development from Montana Technological University.

Jeremy Caudle

Caudle serves as the current city administrator for the city of Lowell, where he has worked since 2021. Holding a master’s degree in public administration from Appalachian University, Caudle was introduced to public service in 2011 and has worked in city and county governments across South Carolina, Colorado and Oregon.

Bill Reid

North Plains’ current finance director, Reid has consulted for public and private sector analytical projecting for over two decades. Reid holds a master’s degree in economics and public finance from the University of Oregon, as well as a bachelor’s in economics and mathematics from Baylor University.

Joe Samaniego

Starting a career in public service in Alaska in 2021, Samaniego has acted as the city manager for the city of Tangent since 2021. Samaniego holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Carolina.

The candidates were selected by the North Plains City Council after a nationwide search and initial interviews; GMP Consultants was contracted by the city to manage the recruitment and hiring procedure.

Following the Q&A, candidates will tour the city and undergo interviews to decide who will be hired. The city council is expected to make its final decision in October.