Tybee Island City Council hires Savannah administrative veteran Bret Bell as city manager

At Thursday night's Tybee Island City Council meeting, council members approved 5-1 a city manager agreement for Bret Bell, current chief of information and public affairs for the City of Savannah. Bell has worked for Savannah for almost 18 years, including as the chief operating officer.

Tybee began the search for a new city manager shortly after former City Manager Shawn Gillen resigned last September, hiring Baker Tilly , a consulting and public accounting firm, to conduct a search. Gillen resigned after an extended leave of absence, during which Acting City Manager Michelle Owens fulfilled the city's administrative obligations. Owens was also considered for the role, alongside Drew Willison, who serves as the senior vice president for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

"I just want to affirm that I'm going to work as mayor with whomever we decide to appoint to be our next city manager," said Mayor Brian West. "But I do want to acknowledge that Michelle has done a really great job in the five years she's been with the city. On behalf of me personally and council, we want to thank you for your dedication to the city and your exemplary work on behalf of this city over the past year."

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According to the agreement approved by council, Bell will start on Sept. 3, and the agreement will renew automatically for one-year periods only. Bell will receive $165,000 annually, with the opportunity for merit-based raises.

Garden City and Pooler were also looking for new city managers after resignations in February this year and December last year, respectively. Garden City found a new city manager in former city clerk Rhonda Ferrell, the first woman to be hired in that position for the city. Pooler has yet to publicly announce its pick for city manager but have already decided, according to city sources.

Councilmember Michael "Spec" Hosti was the lone "no" vote on Thursday, saying he was disappointed in the decision because he believed Owens had done a great job for the city during her time as interim. Owens thanked council for the opportunity to interview and assured them that she would do her part to ease the transition for Bell.

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Tybee Island City Council hires Savannah administrative veteran Bret Bell as city manager