Michigan man to lead Lyon County

Michigan's Dennis Stark was chosen as the new county manager in Lyon today.

Human Resource Director Steve Englert said the commission's decision to hire the city manager from Charlotte, Mich., was unanimous.

Stark's first day on the job for the third fastest growing county in the U.S. will be Sept. 17. His annual salary will start at $109,535 if the county pays his retirement, $120,762 if he pays his own and he will be repaid for his costs to relocate up to $8,500.

Stark, the city manager of Charlotte, a town with population of 8,389 as of the 2000 census, was interviewed privately by each commissioner one-on-one on July 26. He was publicly interviewed by the board June 7.

At that time, he stressed his communication skills, honesty and ability to build consensus as his strengths.

He managed a budget of about $5 million, with 75 employees. He said during his interview that Charlotte was a growing community and the current population is about 10,000.

Stark has said his reason for applying in Lyon County is so that he could return to the West. He is originally from Colorado, though he said in June that state is too crowded for him.

"I like the environment out here and the open space," he said. "The philosophical attitude of the area is drawing me here."

Before he became city manager in 2003, he served as city manager for Litchfield, Mich.

The Lyon County manager's job has been open since former county manager Donna Kristaponis was fired in February. Bob Hadfield, has been serving in as interim county manager.