The Camp Verde Town Council voted 6-1 against renewing Town Manager Russ Martin’s contract on Oct. 5 after a meeting in executive session.
Martin’s contract expires in March. Councilwoman Robin Whatley was the sole dissenting vote.
Martin, who has served as town manager for the past 12 years, said he was surprised and disappointed, but believes the council are “good people; they think they’re doing what’s right for the community.”
However, Martin added, “I disagree. I think I’m good at what I do.
“I’m not perfect … I’ve gone through a lot here. Even though we’ve had some incredible successes, especially [recently], some of those things I’ve been working on for ten years, I guess the style of management was something that we couldn’t come together on.”
Martin added that over the past several months, he believes council has put “a little more thought into what they would like to see, other than myself.”
When asked whether outside pressure from constituents may have factored into the town’s decision, Martin responded, “Not necessarily. I don’t know who influences any council member at any given time.
“They have to speak to the constituent, right?” Martin said. “So when the staff isn’t accomplishing what the constituent believes needs to be done, they are the representatives and I respect that they want to be able to adjust that. Sometimes that’s a good thing, and sometimes it’s hard because there’s a professional experience that needs to be respected as well, and I look forward to them working that balance out.”
Council Seeks ‘Different Style’
Martin said that the town is looking for a town manager with a style of management “different” from his.
Regarding his style, Martin said, “What I try to do with the staff is allow them to find their way … setting out the goal, letting them find a way to do it their way, their style. Sure there’s parameters, but I really believe in the empowerment of the individual [to] find the most efficient way and they’ll be the most creative if they’re allowed to do it.
“I work throughout all the divisions like that; that’s also why I think the staff appreciates me, because they’re given that deference to do that. But, that’s not always successful,” he said. “[Council] wanted a little more; they wanted me to be a little more engaged … to deal with their issues. I think that’s a fair criticism.”
Using rain as a metaphor, Martin described how his “positive” nature wasn’t always appreciated.
“It’s hard for me to see any negative, just because I’m built to see the positive; but sometimes [staff] are like, ‘Russ, it is raining.’ [My] positive nature sometimes won’t let me recognize when it’s raining. I’ll say, ‘But that’s only temporary,’ because we are going to work through those issues.”
Accomplishments
Martin provided a summary of his accomplishments over the past 12 years:
- Oversaw development and implemented budgets that regularly added to the town’s reserve.
- Guided the Town Council through two successful tax issues.
- Achieved voter approval for a permanent tax base adjustment, a town first.
- Achieved voter approval for transfer of sanitary district to town, a town first.
- Negotiated the successful purchase of the water company.
- Negotiated a unique and historic land agreement with the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
- Primary negotiator in water rights settlement with the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
- Revised development code and improved public opinion of development services.
- Constructed new library building.
- Currently constructing regional sports complex, a town first.
- Currently completing wastewater treatment/ rebuild expansion with reuse, a town first.
- Restarted and worked with Arizona Department of Transportation on reconstruction of State Route 260 with regional cooperation.
- Secured grants/ financing or refinancing for projects listed above as well as others.
- Significantly reduced town’s liability, including lowering worker’s compensation and liability costs.
- Produced budgets resulting in annual surpluses contributing to proper conservative reserves.
- Created and maintained a professional reputation for the town within the region and the state.
‘Thanks for your support’
When asked if he wanted to say anything to the town of Camp Verde, Martin was experiencing an emotional moment. After a pause, he stated, “I would say, ‘thanks for your support.’
“That’s how you make it through those tough things during situations; like I was recounting some of those situations … there were these things that I think otherwise other managers would not have gone through and it’s through the support of the councils and through the support of community members who said, ‘No, stick with it, keep going Russ … we appreciate you — don’t give up on us.’
“That’s why I was here for so long … I was willing to go through some of those trials and tribulations that other managers probably would have walked away from.”
While Martin discussed the prospects of a new job and relocation for himself and his wife, Ann, he said, “My wife and I can enjoy the fact that we’ve committed and done all the things we did in Camp Verde,” and while they are feeling “sad,” they realize that “it’s part of the profession.”
Martin said of his wife, “She deserves a lot of credit for how we got to this point; she supported me all the way through.”
As for the council’s decision, Martin said he is not taking it personally.
“The town is going to be left in really, really good shape that gives the next manager a really, really good head start and that’s what we’re here for this profession to do; I have nothing to be ashamed of that way.
“I’ve got a great staff that understands where we’re headed and wants to do good things for the community. I can’t be anything but positive with that. It’s disappointing on a personal basis, but on a professional basis, I look forward to the next opportunity.
“We love this community. It wasn’t just about me and my wife but so much more; my kids grew up here. My grandkids still might grow up here and my connections to this community are strong and will continue to be, but it’s now time to find a new opportunity.”
