Here’s what Hilton Head leaders think about Steve Riley’s latest job hunt

It doesn’t seem to bother Hilton Head’s mayor and other Town Council members that town manager Steve Riley is looking for a new job — again.

Riley is one of five finalists for a city manager position in San Marcos, Texas, located near the state capital of Austin, the city said last week. The position received 55 applications from candidates in 21 states; Riley is the only finalist who is not currently working in Texas, according to a release.

The San Marcos city manager stepped down in January, and an interim manager was appointed. Finalist interviews with the San Marcos City Council are set to take place on July 13 and 14, the release said.

Contacted Monday, Riley, who has been Hilton Head’s manager since 1994, said he did not wish to comment on being a finalist, noting “It just became too much last time around.”

In 2016, Riley was a finalist for a city manager position in Savannah and a city administrator position in Davenport, Iowa.

At the time, Riley cited conflicts with mayor David Bennett as the reason for his job search.

“Steve has certainly served council well over the years,” Bennett said when contacted Monday about Riley’s latest opportunity. “It seems clear his interest lies elsewhere, perhaps for family reasons or perhaps for personal reasons. But you just have to wish him well.”

Councilwoman Kim Likins said Riley called Town Council members on Friday to inform them that he was a finalist for the San Marcos position.

“I congratulated him,” she said. “I was surprised, but at the same time I realize Steve and his family have their own personal goals. I have no problem with him pursuing it.”

Councilman Bill Harkins said he is not surprised others are looking at Riley because of his high-profile position and accomplishments.

“I personally think he’s done a good job and continues to do a good job,” Harkins said. “And I think we’d be well-served if he stays.”

Councilman Marc Grant said Riley should do what is in the best interest for him and his family. Council members David Ames, Thomas Lennox and John McCann did not immediately respond to requests this week for comment.

Krisit Wyatt, director of communications and intergovernmental relations for San Marcos, said Tuesday there have not yet been in-person interviews for the city manager position.

According to a brochure provided by Wyatt on the search, the ideal candidate would have “a collaborative spirit and a commitment to open and transparent government.” In addition, the candidate should have “excellent communication and interpersonal skills,” along with experience with creating and prioritizing a budget.

For fiscal year 2017, San Marcos had a $193.8 million budget. Hilton Head has adopted an $86.2 million budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

“We’re in a county that’s one of the fastest growing in the U.S.,” said Wyatt, noting the new city manager would have to be able to handle a rapidly growing city that is also a college town.

Texas State University in San Marcos is the fourth-largest public university in the state, with an enrollment of about 40,000 students, according to the search brochure.

As far as pay goes, the new city manager would be offered a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience, the brochure said. According to the National League of Cities, an organization that acts as a resource for cities in the U.S., the median salary for a city manager is about $106,400.

Riley’s annual salary is $175,203, according to Nancy Gasen, Hilton Head’s director of human resources. In addition to his salary, Riley also receives benefits that amount to 38 percent of his salary, said Lisa Stauffer, the town’s senior human resources administrator.

Riley has been the Hilton Head manager since 1994 and has worked for the town since 1991. Previously, he was a planner for the city of Beaufort and Beaufort County, along with a private consulting firm in the Midwest, according to the town’s website.

This story was originally published June 27, 2017 at 4:15 PM with the headline "Here’s what Hilton Head leaders think about Steve Riley’s latest job hunt."